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Ten Ways to Take Action Against Lung Disease
- Don’t smoke.
- Avoid lung hazards. Reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke and outdoor air pollution. Indoors, check your home for allergens, dust mites, and other irritants you can control.
- Recognize the warning signs of lung disease: chronic cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing blood, chronic mucus production, chronic fatigue.
- Know the symptoms of asthma, especially wheezing and chronic or nighttime cough. Call your local Lung Association if you suspect you or a loved one has asthma. They can help with information on exercise, medications, and coping skills to manage the disease and avoid attacks.
- Get involved! Join in the fight for clean air by reducing pollution and supporting clean air laws.
- Test your home for radon—it’s simple and inexpensive. This colorless, odorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, yet it can be easily controlled.
- Create an asthma action plan. If your child has asthma, help educate school administrators, babysitters, and others about medications, activities, and warning signs.
- Ask your doctor about a flu or pneumonia shot.
- Start small. Your best bet for preventing lung disease is by teaching children to grow up smoke-free.
- Protect your family by encouraging exercise, eating right, and keeping your home free of respiratory irritants.
Source: American Lung Association
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