Stop smoking
Smoking damages your lungs and increases your risk for a number of diseases including lung cancer and COPD. If you have never smoked, don’t start. If you are still smoking, it’s never too late to quit.
Don’t vape
Contrary to what many people believe, vaping is not without risk. Research studying the longer-term harms of vaping is being published showing the links between vaping and lung damage and disease.
Avoid second-hand and third-hand smoke
Breathing the smoke from cigarettes and pipes boosts your risk for the same diseases that affect people who smoke. Don’t allow smoking in your home, in the car or at work. Also stay away from third-hand smoke—residual tobacco fumes that adhere to walls and furniture. Rent smoke-free hotel rooms.
Convert your fireplace
The particulate matter from burning wood and waste can seriously damage your lungs. If possible, switch to a cleaner burning gas or wood stove or put in an electronic fireplace or gas insert.
Check the Air Quality Health Index
Everyone—especially people with lung diseases such as asthma or COPD—needs to pay particular attention to the levels of air pollution called particulates, tiny solid or liquid particles, in the environment and limit their outdoor exposure when levels are high.
Wear a mask
Canadian workers may be exposed to an excessive amount of dust, fumes, smoke, gases, vapors or mists in the workplace. Poor ventilation, closed-in working areas and heat increase are also disease-causing culprits.
Avoid breathing in toxic fumes from chemicals, solvents or paints. Wear protective masks (N95 or better) when you work with chemicals and report unsafe working conditions. Take advantage of lung screening and other health programs offered at work.
Test your home for radon
Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in the ground. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. If there are high levels of radon in your home or workplace, call a qualified radon mitigation specialist.
Limit indoor air pollution
Air fresheners, mould, pet dander and construction materials all pose a potential problem. Turn on the exhaust fan when you cook and avoid using aerosol products like hair spray. Change your furnace air filter seasonally. Learn about indoor air pollution and what you can do to reduce your exposure.
Get vaccinated
Getting your recommended vaccines against flu, COVID-19, pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a great way to show your lungs some love. It is especially important if you’re living with lung disease. Not all of these vaccines are recommended for everyone. Speak to your family doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist about what vaccines are recommended for you.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water several times a day. This will help keep germs at bay and help you avoid most of the common infectious diseases that are spread by hand.
Cover your coughs
To help stop the spread of germs, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cough or sneeze into your elbow. Stay away from crowds during peak cold and flu season, get plenty of rest, eat well and keep your stress levels under control.
Wear a mask
Wearing a mask to keep from getting sick or getting others sick has become more common in Canada following the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearing a mask can protect against cold, flu or COVID-19 viruses that can be spread by respiratory droplets (sneezing, coughing, etc.).
Stay away from sick people
It’s best to stay away from people who are sick. If you have a long-term lung disease like asthma or COPD, you are even more at risk for respiratory infection, which could make your symptoms worse.
Get active
Exercise strengthens your lungs and improves mood and well-being. It’s important for everyone, even if you’re living with lung disease. Try to do at least 30 minutes of activity each day. If you do have lung disease, speak to your healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine.
Don’t idle
Traffic-based air pollution can cause a range of lung symptoms. Do your part to curb noxious air and turn off the ignition if you’re waiting more than 10 seconds.
Talk to your healthcare provider
Lung disease, particularly COPD, is seriously underdiagnosed in Canada. See your doctor or nurse practitioner if you experience shortness of breath, pain when breathing, dizziness with a change of activity, a persistent cough, wheezing or coughing with exercise or pain in the airway.
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic lung disease like asthma or COPD, work with your doctor to manage symptoms and flare-ups.
Use an action plan
If you have COPD or asthma, avoiding an exacerbation or flare-up can help protect your lung health over the long term. Use an action plan to help you track your symptoms, medications and what to do if you experience an exacerbation or flare-up.