We're seeing some of the hottest temperatures on record across the United States. All this heat stirs up ozone and pollutants, irritating your lungs.
You can track current air quality with the State of the Air app or by visiting www.airnow.gov. Find out the air quality in your neighborhood and use that information to plan your day. Those with allergies, asthma and COPD should pay particular attention because poor air quality can exacerbate those conditions.
The best way to beat the summer heat is to do errands and heavy activity early in the day before the air heats up. Know your triggers. Use preventative inhalers before venturing out of your home. Air filters on air conditioners and window fans reduce the particles that enter your home. Wearing masks can reduce your particle inhalation.
Moderate air conditioning is helpful for those with lung issues. It controls climate and reduces particulate matter. But, don't make your house too cold.
You can't reverse lung damage but you can exercise your lungs for better breathing health. Stay active. Engage in light exercise like walking if you have trouble breathing. Get plenty of sleep.
Listen in as Dr. Albert Rizzo joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss best practices for healthy lungs in the heat.
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Additional Info
- Segment Number: 4
- Audio File: health_radio/1626ml4d.mp3
- Featured Speaker: Albert Rizzo, MD
- Guest Website: The American Lung Association
- Guest Facebook Account: www.facebook.com/lungusa
- Guest Twitter Account: @LungAssociation
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Guest Bio:
Albert A. Rizzo, M.D., is the American Lung Association's leading medical authority. Having served as the Chair of the Lung Association's National Board of Directors, Dr. Rizzo is the key medical advisor to the American Lung Association and a leading media spokesperson for the Association.
Dr. Rizzo is Chief of the Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Delaware, and a member of Christiana Care Pulmonary Associates. He is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Medical School in Philadelphia, where he obtained his medical degree and completed his residency in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Rizzo received his specialty training at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the American Thoracic Society, a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians and the American College of Physicians and a Diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine.
His out-patient practice covers general pulmonary and sleep medicine disorders and includes a strong interest in asthma, COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation, lung cancer and obstructive sleep apnea. - Length (mins): 10
- Waiver Received: Yes
- Host: Melanie Cole, MS
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