Protect Your Lungs!

In the aftermath of the Santa Rosa and Wine Country fire disasters, here is an easy To-Do list to protect your lungs. Keeping your lungs and the lungs of your loved ones as safe as possible is key in this high air pollution situation. It can not be said enough: please protect your lungs at this time.

 

When outdoors, always wear an

N95 Particulate Respirator Face Mask

-Especially for people with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and autoimmune histories it is key to protect your lungs. The N95 is superior vs plain masks.

-Snuggly fit the aluminum strip to the bridge of your nose to make the most effective barrier to air particles.

-On-line ordering is a good option since many stores are sold out.

-For more immediate needs, consider asking contractor friends or neighbors if you can get a mask from them. Tradespeople frequently stock this type of mask.

-Physically take N95 masks to the elderly. They may not seek them out on their own; but they are more likely to make use of a mask if they have it.

 

Choose a wet mopping or moist towel method of cleaning

-Sweeping flips particles into the air.

 

More frequently bathe your dogs, cats and pets who lounge about outside

-They will be collecting particulate matter on their coats.

 

Change cabin filters in your vehicle

 

When driving, select the setting that circulates air within the car as opposed pulling in air from outside of your vehicle

-Pulling air from outside will pull more particulate matter into your vehicle.

 

Change HEPA filters on your vacuum

 

Use HEPA and air filtration devices indoors

 

When cooking, use the exhaust fan over your stove for EVERYTHING, not just greasy items

-The goal is to preserve the air quality of your indoors as much as possible.

 

Purchase an inexpensive Neti pot for rinsing your nostrils

-The fine hairs inside our noses filter and catch particulate matter. However, these are delicate hairs. They can get bogged down with abnormally high levels of air pollution.

-A Neti pot is preferable for rinsing your nose as opposed to bulb syringe or pump-like spray. This is because the Neti pot is gentle gravity drainage as opposed to forceful pressure into your nose.

Directions for using a Neti pot:

-Make a nasal irrigation solution by dissolving several crystals of fine salt into warm water.

-Tilt your head to one side. Allow the saline mixture to run into the higher nostril and drain out of the lower nostril. Tilt your head to the opposite side and repeat.

 

Exercise INDOORS

 

Provided you do not have allergies, incorporate Lung qi building foods into your diet such as walnuts and pears

 

For even more support, see your acupuncturist for applicable lung support treatments and herbal formulas.

 

Thank you for reading!

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Be well!

~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. All information on this site is provided as education and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No information on this site is intended to replace or delay the use of any conventional medical treatment.