Clean air for everyone
How to take care of your lungs
Lung diseases as major causes of death in the Philippines remain to be in the top 20 as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority on May 17, 2022. Pneumonia ranked number seven followed by chronic lower respiratory diseases and respiratory tuberculosis landing on the eighth and 11th places, respectively. As of February 2022, Covid-19 was recorded to be the sixth leading cause of death in the country.
Our lungs work nonstop to ensure that the entire body is well oxygenated. They also remove waste in the form of carbon dioxide when we exhale. When the function of the lungs is compromised, it greatly impacts our health and functionality. Just try running when you have a cough. You will be breathless in no time.
Unfortunately, smoking and air pollution are damaging to our lungs. In addition, poor nutrition and a weakened immune system render the lungs unhealthy, vulnerable to infection and development of diseases. Therefore, unable to function efficiently resulting to complications to other organs like the heart and brain among others.
Our country did not fall short in promoting healthy lungs among the Filipinos. The former President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1761 on July 24, 1978 declaring August to be National Lung month. The goal is to focus the public’s attention on the pulmonary system, which includes the lungs, as well as respiratory illness. It encourages the Filipino people to contribute to a better and healthier environment that will promote lung health.
Everyone has the right to breathe clean air by virtue of Republic Act No. 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. This law prohibits smoking inside enclosed spaces, including inside all means of public transportation. The Tobacco
Regulation Act of 2003, also known as, Republic Act No. 9211, prohibits smoking in certain public areas and prohibits the purchase and sale of tobacco products to and by minors, including places frequented by minors such as schools.
In 2015, the World Health Organization reported that approximately a quarter of Filipinos smoke. This number includes 11 percent of minors. In the same year, Global Adult Tobacco Survey reported that smokers in the country smoked around 11 cigarettes per day.
Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte issued Executive Order 26 in 2017, a nationwide smoking ban prohibiting the use of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in all public places. It also forbids minors or anyone under 18 years of age from using, selling, and buying tobacco products.
The government must do its part in apprehending lawbreakers but the citizens must also contribute to ensure lung or respiratory health in our own little ways.
Keziah Lois Miranda, a respiratory therapist from Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, shares practical tips on how to promote healthy lungs aside from quitting smoking.
Miranda emphasizes on breathing clean and fresh air. “Exposing yourself to provincial life and inhaling fresh air can really help minimize outdoor pollutants caused by city life.” For people living in an urban setting, having indoor plants can help filter the air around you. It also wouldn’t hurt to take a few days off whenever possible to go to the beach or the mountains. Otherwise, air filters or purifiers can help.
“Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. HEPA filter serves as a barrier and decontaminate microparticles that could cause allergies and eventually lead to respiratory problems. Different HEPA filters serve seamlessly for different purification processes,” Miranda says.
The second tip is to stay hydrated. Miranda explained that taking more fluids throughout the day will keep our mucus thin, which helps our lungs to function better. Breathing exercises is also a must. “A cycle of deep inspiration and exhalation increases the lung function capacity and can strengthen your lungs.” Mindful breathing done several times in a day will definitely go a long way. Miranda also encourages everyone to stay active. This is one way of keeping your lungs functioning well as more oxygen is required through inhalation when exercising. You may not be a smoker but avoiding secondhand smoke as much as possible is likewise very important. “It could lead to more serious problem. Encourage those around you to stop smoking or avoid secondhand smoking,” she adds.
Lastly, have a regular or annual checkup with your doctor. This must be part of your health core. This year’s Lung Month Theme is “Baga at Kalikasan, Ating Alagaan, Ituloy Lung and Laban.” As Filipinos, let us take care of our lungs and environment. Continue to do your part in ensuring we enjoy the right to breathing clean air.
‘Exposing yourself to provincial life and inhaling fresh air can really help minimize outdoor pollutants caused by city life.’