Health Tip: Help Reduce Your Risk of Lung Disease

(HealthDay News) -- By keeping your lungs healthy, you may be able to help prevent conditions including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The National Women''s Health Information Center offers these suggestions for good lung health:

• Quit smoking, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Avoid exposure to environmental pollutants such as asbestos and radon gas.
• If you work around dust or chemical fumes, make sure the area is well-ventilated and that you wear a mask.
• If you are at a high risk of lung disease, test your breathing function regularly.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which may help reduce your risk of cancer.
• If you have a persistent cough that doesn''t appear related to a cold or allergy, see your doctor.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Feb. 13, 2009

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