(PRWEB) October 08, 2013
This week, Lung Institute is disbanding the misconception that harmful air pollutants are only an outside occurrence, and gives insight into how one can actually lung proof their home. This initiative is in support of Healthy Lung Month, and is meant to raise awareness about the rapid escalation of lung disease in the United States.
Pollutants occurring within the household can actually be more harmful than those found outdoors. Some common lung irritants found within the home include: lead, formaldehyde, radon, cleaning agent vapors, and fire-retardants. Natural pollutants also easily make their way into the home, including pet dander, dust mites, and mold. So how can the general public, and especially those with lung disease, avoid these lung damaging agents?
This week’s tips:
•Stay Clean
•Stay Green
•Stay Natural
•Test for Radon
•Test Humidity
•Smoke Free
•Properly Ventilate
This week’s article is listed below and features expert advice from Jamie DiLorenzo, Lung Institute’s Physician Assistant. Over the last 10 years, DiLorenzo has been helping a number of patients as a Registered Nurse Practitioner. At the Lung Institute, DiLorenzo provides direct patient assessment and manages all patient care protocols.
Stay tuned, each week in October, the medical staff at Lung Institute, is offering free pulmonary health advice to the public on subjects like healthy lung diet, and exercises for lung health.
About Lung Institute
At Lung Institute (LI), we are changing the lives of hundreds of people across the nation through the innovative technology of regenerative medicine. We are committed to providing patients a more effective way to address pulmonary conditions and improve quality of life. Our physicians, through their designated practices, have gained worldwide recognition for the successful application of revolutionary minimally invasive stem cell therapies. With over a century of combined medical experience, our doctors have established a patient experience designed with the highest concern for patient safety and quality of care. Visit our website at LungInstitute.com or call us today at 1-855-469-5864 for more information.
Article:
Take a Deep Breath of Fresh Air: 7 Tips to Lung Proof the Home
When people think of pollution, they commonly think about dirty big cities with haze, smog, and ozone hanging in the air. There is definite validity that these substances damage the lungs with extended exposure, but what about the air inside the home?
It is a common misconception that the air outside of the home is more polluted than the air indoors. When in reality, the air inside can actually be even more polluted, and even more dangerous to the lungs, than the air outside. This is especially concerning for people who already have some form of lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.
So how does one clean up the air they are breathing inside the home? Follow these simple steps to protect the lungs and breathe easier.
•Stay Clean: Buy a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce lead, chemical build-up, and allergens such as pet dander in the home. Follow this step by mopping with a microfiber mop to soak up any leftover particles. This highly effective filter captures 99.97% of particles in the air, including dangerous flame retardant chemicals, referred to as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and allergens such as pet dander and pollen.
•Stay Green: Fill the home with plants! Indoor plants help purify the air, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene. Spider plants and aloe vera plants are good choices for the home.
•Stay Natural: Fragrances in cleaning products, laundry detergents, and air fresheners can all damage the lungs. Opt for fragrance-free whenever possible.
•Test for Radon: Test for radon in the home. This colorless, odorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Radon detectors are inexpensive and available at most hardware stores or online.
•Test Humidity: Keeping a normal level of humidity in the home will help reduce the likelihood of dust mites and mold, two common allergens. Healthy levels should be in-between 30% to 50%, anything over or under this range should be supplemented with the use of a humidifier or dehumidifier.
•Smoke Free: This one is simple, keep lungs smoke-free. This includes, smoke from cigarettes, pipe tobacco, and even cooking. Make sure to vent a window when cooking or running the dishwasher in the home. Use an exhaust fan if there isn’t a window nearby. Ask friends to limit their smoking to outside the home, far enough away that second-hand smoke is not be a factor.
•Properly Ventilate: Open a window. Stagnant air inside the home needs circulation, there is no better way to introduce fresh air inside the home than to open a window. Also, make sure the ventilation systems are in working order. Clean filters weekly, to ensure the home is properly ventilated.
Following these tips will help the air inside the home remain clean. Breathing is one of the most vital functions of the human body. It is essential to keep the breathing mechanism, or lungs, healthy and clean to support life. Don’t ever take for granted a breath of fresh air, it is what gives life. To learn more helpful tips about lung health read more on our blog at LungInstitute.com.