​​​​​​​​​Most of us realize the dangers of smoking as they relate to lung cancer -- with more than 7,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, it can harm every organ in your body, as well as those who inhale second-hand smoke. But did you know there are other factors to keep your lungs healthy and reduce your risk for lung cancer? November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month - a great time to introduce healthier habits for your lungs. 

Get physical
Exercise is crucial for lung health. Aerobic activity (walking, running, biking, etc) allows your heart and breathing rate to increase. The heart muscle works harder and gets stronger. This, in turn, makes for a more efficient circulatory and respiratory system. That means that your heart and lungs do not have to work as hard to pump blood and oxygen throughout your body.  Thirty minutes of exercise, five days a week is recommended for everyone.  If you aren’t capable of thirty minutes to start with, break it up into three 10-minute workouts.  Strength training, another important exercise component, can build your core muscles which are important for breathing and posture.  It’s important to talk to your health care team to create a plan that is right for you.

Take a breath
Did you know that practicing intentional breathing can improve your health? In fact, creating a breathing practice (or taking time each day to do deep breathing exercises) can increase your oxygen levels and allow your diaphragm to work more efficiently (not to mention it can help lower your blood pressure and ease anxiety). Here ‘s a simple breathing exercise to practice.  Try this when you are not short of breath and at rest relaxing:

• Inhale through your nose (you can count slowly to four). Hold that breath for a count of seven.  
  
• Exhale through your mouth for a count of eight.