Keep your lungs healthy in extreme cold

From the Lung Association website, January 5th, 2018

Most of Canada has been experiencing extreme cold weather, watching the temperature dip well below -20.

These kinds of extreme temperatures can make breathing very difficult. Whether your lungs are healthy or you have a lung disease, cold, dry air rushing to your lungs can take your breath away. Below are five things you can do to make breathing a bit easier this winter.

1. Take medication as prescribed. Make sure you keep your medication on hand when out and about. If you are unsure about your prescription, be sure to talk with your doctor or healthcare team.
2. Wear a scarf. Be sure to cover your mouth and nose with a warm scarf.
3. Avoid exercise outside.Opt for an indoor activity instead.
4. Breathe through your nose. Your nose plays a number of unexpected roles in the respiratory system. One of these is the warming of air before it enters your lungs.
5. Keep an eye on air quality. Winter does not mean pollution hibernates. Keep an eye on air pollution reports and avoid going out when pollution is high.