What does the term “Healthy Living” mean? For most people, it means eating right, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, improving their hearts health, or reducing the risk of developing diabetes. Along with these factors, COVID-19 has added another dimension to the idea of living healthy.

COVID-19 can trigger a respiratory tract infection, either in your upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat) or lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs). Hence, having a healthy respiratory system has become equally important. 
Rightfully so, as the respiratory system comprising of airways, lungs, the muscles, and the blood vessels, carries oxygen throughout our body and makes everything we do possible. That brings about the question, what can we do to keep our lungs healthy? 

Here are some of the ways:

Exercise routinely
Exercising regularly helps tone our muscles and improves circulation. These two factors are essential for the lungs to function properly. So, for healthy lungs keep exercising.

Eat Healthily
Various studies have proven the correlation of a good healthy diet to good lung health and better management of lung diseases like bronchitis and asthma. According to a study done by the Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, the University of Newcastle, Australia a diet rich in fish, fruits, and vegetables is good for the lungs.

Stay Hydrated
We all know, healthy living means drinking lots of water. What we don’t know is that it plays a vital role in keeping our lungs healthy too. By staying hydrated we help our lungs to keep the mucus secretions thin, which then allows us to breathe more easily.

Kill Hidden Cockroaches
You heard it right! Those unpleasant and unsightly pests like cockroaches can carry some serious diseases with them. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cockroaches are carriers of intestinal diseases, such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever. They are also bad for the lungs. Their saliva, lost body parts, and droppings when inhaled can cause flare-ups in asthma. They produce substances (allergens), that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. Symptoms of a cockroach allergy can include cough, nasal congestion, skin rash, wheezing, and sinus infection. According to a study conducted at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, cockroach allergy can lead to the development of asthma.

According to a study mentioned in the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAI), using insecticidal baits significantly reduces cockroach infestation in the house over 12 months. Reduced infestation, associate with improved asthma outcomes. A recent article in the New York Times also highlighted the importance of pest-proofing your home to protect against asthma. (4)

Cockroaches prefer to live in warm, dark, wet areas and can be found behind refrigerators, sinks, stoves, also in drains. Coupled with their ability to survive in difficult situations, killing them is a difficult task. Godrej Lal HIT is one effective way to kill those hidden cockroaches in hard to reach places. With its unique deep reach nozzle, you can kill these pesky insects that hide in all corners and cracks, making your house pest-free.

Don’t Smoke
Cigarette smoke makes breathing more difficult by narrowing the air passages. It causes swelling in the lung, which can lead to chronic bronchitis and can cause lung cancer by destroying lung tissue. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), cigarette smoking is the major cause of chronic diseases of the lung and also cancer. Hence it is very important to stay away from smoking and keeping your life smoke free.

Any infection including respiratory can be avoided by keeping good hygiene. Simple steps like frequently washing your hands with soap and water help keep the infections at bay. To keep COVID-19 at bay, wear masks, and maintain social distance.

Article By: Dr. Aditi Sood
M.D., MPA(healthcare)
aditimusing.com
A doctor mom passionate about health and wellness