We live because we breathe. As a matter of fact, breathing is something that we all do without realizing it. We breathe in and out about 22,000 times a day. That’s a lot of work for a very important part of the body, our lungs.

Lungs are located at either side of the chest. The main function of lungs is to take in oxygen, which all cells throughout the body need to live and carry out their normal functions. It also gets rid of carbon dioxide, a waste product of the body’s cell. This maintains the pH level of blood for the normal function of body organs.

National Lung Month is observed and celebrated every August by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1761, signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos on 24 July 1978. Its observance is aimed at focusing awareness to contribute to a better and healthier environment, also so that the chemical exchange taking place in the lungs and detoxifying the body is sustained.

From the Department of Health, respiratory infection and communicable diseases remain among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines, especially the outbreak of coronavirus disease or COVID-19 last March 2020. Pneumonia and tuberculosis are leading causes of death and are major public health problems in both rural and urban areas. The 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey results showed that there has been an increase in the proportion of male (41.3% in 2018 and 42.7% in 2019) who are currently smoking, the highest percentage of which is found among the poorest households. In areas where people suffer from malnutrition, the incidence of infection is high because the immune system is compromised. Infection in return aggravates malnutrition resulting to declining health conditions.

Even if you are not a smoker, your lungs may be in danger too. Secondhand smoke or passive smoking is the biggest cause after firsthand smoking. This can cause lung cancer. Inhaling tobacco smoke from people who are smoking in close vicinity is considered as passive smoking. Secondhand smoke is a mixture of tobacco and the chemicals from burning end of the cigarette. One stick of cigarette contains 4,000 chemicals and most of them are dangerous to the extent that they can cause cancer with continuous exposure. This happens when smokers and non-smokers are sharing living or working areas.

There are a number of things that you can do in support of National Lung Month, which will benefit you, your family, your friends and your workmates, and ultimately, the environment:

• Prevent illness. During this pandemic, we become aware that the COVID-19 infection and illness put strain on the respiratory system, especially the lungs. Follow the BIDA Solusyon: B – bawal walang mask, I – sanitize ang mga kamay, iwas hawak sa mga bagay, D – dumistansya ng isang metro and A – alamin ang totoong impormasyon. Protect yourself even after you get vaccinated.
• Boost immune system. Consume nutritious foods such as leafy green & yellow vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Read it here for nutrients needed to protect yourself from diseases.
• Exercise regularly. Doing exercise (for 30 minutes at least 2-3 times a day) will not make your muscle stronger but make your lungs stronger too.
• Do not smoke. Do not try, and if you are a smoker, give up smoking. Quitting tobacco is a hard feat to accomplish but once you do, your efforts will pay off with an improved ability to breathe deeper and longer, and healthier life can soon begin. The Lung Center of Philippines launched a Smoking Cessation Program to help smokers overcome personal obstacles to quitting a life-threatening and expensive vice. The program will help the smoker realize the ill effects of smoking, appreciate the benefits of quitting and conduct individualized counselling, lectures, tracking and monitoring of smokers after the completion.
• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and other pollutants. Do not spit anywhere. Bacteria droplets in the spit become airborne and once inhaled by others who are immuno-compromised, disease easily sets in. Polluted air can cause difficulty in breathing, flare-ups of allergy or asthma, and other lung problems. Indoor air pollution such as gas stoves, appliances, and even pets and pests that can shed allergens. You should ensure that you have a well-ventilated area, or you may use an exhaust fan. Keep your trash covered to avoid attracting pests, minimize air freshener use and give your pet a bath. Staying indoor especially during this time of pandemic can save you from the risk of outdoor pollutants and you can save lives, too.
• Get screened. Visit your doctor to reduce the risk of getting sick and to detect potentially life-threatening health conditions such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. If you have a family history of lung cancer, then there is an increased risk that you may develop it too.

We need to be vigilant, be cautious and be careful with our health. Infants & children with asthma, people with weak heart or lung conditions, older adults who exercise or work outdoors as well as smokers and people with a weak immune system are more at risk for lung diseases. They can easily breathe-in pneumonia-causing bacteria or viruses through other people's cough & phlegm may get asthmatic from pollutants like vehicle/factory fumes, smog and cigarette smoke.

Protect your lungs and your lungs will thank you. (NO I Vazamija Therese A. Villasi, RND)

References:

DOST- Food and Nutrition Research Institute. (2019) Expanded National Nutrition Survey 2019: Health and nutritional status of Filipino adults, 20-59 years old. http://enutrition.fnri.dost.gov.ph/site/uploads/2019%20ENNS%20Results%20Dissemination_ADULTS%20and%20ELDERLY.pdf

EasyDNA. (n.d). Breathe easy during National Lung Month. Retrieved on 12 August 2021 from https://easydna.ph/breathe-easy-during-national-lung-month/

Medina, M. (2020, August 24). Did You Know: August is National Lung Month. Philippine Daily Inquirer. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1326011/did-you-know-763

Notter, R. (2000). Lung Surfactants: Basic Science and Clinical Applications

Lung Biology in Health and Disease. CRC Press

Radyo mo sa Nutrisyon. (19 September 2017). Episode 10 “Save Your Lungs, Save Your Life”. Retrieved 18 August 2021 from https://web.facebook.com/radyomosanutrisyon/posts/1898124396864303

Ruiz, A.J., Claudio, V.S., & De Castro, E.E. (2011). Medical nutrition therapy for Filipinos. 6^th edition. Merriam & Webster Bookstore Inc.,