National Respiratory Care Week: Remember to Exercise Those Lungs

by Connor Meyer, Respiratory Therapist

National Respiratory Care Week is a good time to remind the public to exercise those lungs. Not only is exercise good for the heart, but it also helps keep the lungs in great shape!

Connor Meyer, Certified Respiratory Therapist, recommends the following to keep lungs healthy:

• Exercise at least 30 minutes 5 days a week, while focusing on good quality, consistent breaths.
• Take a break every hour to take in 5 deep breaths and slowly exhale. This not only helps with your lung capacity, but also to help prevent infections from settling in your lungs.  Plus it is a great exercise to reduce stress!
• Drink plenty of water to be sure to stay hydrated.
• Get outside into the fresh air every day!

At Veterans Memorial Hospital, she can help with lung problems by having your primary care provider order a test called a pulmonary function test. This test determines how well your lungs are functioning. Pulmonary Function Tests help you find out certain conditions like asthma, COPD, or other breathing problems.

For more information, please contact the Respiratory Therapy Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-3411.