Tips to help you breathe easier this winter
Winter is well and truly here and we’ve had a few chilly days already. When you’ve got a lung condition it’s important to stay well in the colder months as cold weather can trigger your lung condition symptoms. Here are some tips to help you look after your lungs and breathe easier.
Get vaccinated
Covid-19 and the flu can cause serious health problems, especially if you’re living with a lung condition. You can now get your fourth booster jab, which is recommended if you are living with lung disease. Flu cases are expected to rise this year and you are at an increased risk if you have a lung condition. Getting the flu jab is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and it’s free for everyone until the end of June. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about getting vaccinated.
Stay warm
Make sure your house is warm, ideally at 18 degrees Celsius. And keep warm by wearing layers of clothing when it’s cold, as these trap warm air better than one big layer.
Keep active
Try and get as much exercise as you can. Get up move around the house, lift some light weights and try some yoga stretching to keep your muscles supple. Get a workout doing your housework. When chatting on your phone, take a walk around the house. Every little bit helps.
Wellbeing
At this time of year you can feel a bit low due to the dark nights and cold weather. It’s important to take care of your general wellbeing. You can take care of your mental health by staying in touch with friends and family and by following some of the tips provided in this article including keeping active and making sure you’re getting some Vitamin D.
Sunshine and Vitamin D
Even though it’s winter fortunately here in Australia we can still catch some sun rays. Vitamin D has been shown to play an important part in regulating mood and decreasing the risk of depression. If you can get outside and get the sun on your skin, this can help boost your mood. But in the absence of sunshine, you can take a Vitamin D supplement.
Eat well
Try and eat a balanced diet. Essential nutrients can help prevent infections, keeping you and your lungs healthy.
Over seven million Australians have a lung condition – breathing isn’t something they take for granted. We want to help people through life-changing research and in providing the advice they need to live well. If you want to support research into lung conditions and have found this advice helpful, please consider making a small donation today.