Anyone who lives in a large city knows how much the air quality fluctuates. Some days, the city is filled with sooty smog, while other days everything seems clear and crisp. Living in a smog-heavy city can be challenging, especially if you have asthma or other breathing conditions. The good news is that you can take steps to protect your health and stay safe no matter what the air quality is like outside. The following tips will help you reduce your exposure to pollution, so that you can breathe easier all year long.
Stay Inside When Air Quality Is Poor
When air quality is bad, it’s best to remain indoors. The air outside may be full of dangerous pollutants, so it’s important to prevent those pollutants from entering your home. There are many ways to prevent indoor air pollution. First, keep your windows closed. This is especially important if you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, because burning wood produces harmful smoke. Second, use indoor air filters. Air filters that have HEPA filters can trap the pollutants in the air, so they don’t enter your home. Third, use air purifiers if you have breathing conditions. Air purifiers give you better control over the air quality in your home. You can also use a device that connects to your Wi-Fi to check the air quality in your area. If the air quality is poor, you can use these tools to stay safe.
Use a High-Quality Air Filter
Air filters or HVAC systems are a great way to trap the pollutants in the air, so they don’t end up in your home. You can choose from several types of air filters, including HEPA filters and electrostatic filters. HEPA filters are great for removing small particles, such as pollen or dust. This type of filter is especially helpful if you have allergies or asthma. Electrostatic filters are great at trapping large particles, such as dirt, dust, and pollen. These filters work best in combination with an air conditioner, since they don’t have the power to clean the air by themselves. You can also check the air quality in your area to see when it is best to use an air filter.
Exercise and Stay Active
Exercise is great for many reasons, but it’s especially important if you live in a highly polluted area. An active lifestyle not only reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, but can also improve your lung function. To reap the benefits of exercise, you don’t have to join a gym. Simple activities, such as walking or gardening, can give your lungs a boost. Stay active even during bad air quality days. If you have to spend time inside, try to stay as active as possible. Walk around, stretch, or do yoga poses. If your city has bad air quality, walk in the park outside instead of on the sidewalk, to keep yourself from being exposed to as much pollution.
Eat Clean to Improve Your Health
The foods you eat can greatly impact your health. Dirty air can make it hard to breathe, but clean foods can help reduce damage and repair your lungs. Eating a lot of fruits and veggies is a great way to start. You should also avoid foods that are high in fat, because they can make it harder to breathe. Try to avoid processed foods, because they can have a lot of hidden ingredients that can negatively impact your health. Be careful with caffeine, since it can make it harder to breathe, especially if you have asthma. Alcohol can also make breathing more difficult, so you may want to avoid it entirely if you have asthma. Lastly, make sure to get enough sleep to stay healthy, since sleep deprivation can make it harder to breathe.
Protect Your Lungs with Good Habits
Protecting your lungs doesn’t just mean eating healthy foods and staying active. There are other habits that can help keep your lungs safe and healthy. Avoid second-hand smoke, since it can be harmful to all people, not just smokers. Be careful when you’re around people who are smoking, since second-hand smoke can be just as dangerous as first-hand smoke. Be careful when you exercise outside, since some pollutants can get trapped close to the ground. Always wear a mask when you’re around polluted areas, since your face can easily be exposed to dangerous pollutants. Finally, try to limit the time you spend outside when the air is unhealthy.
Conclusion
Living in a smog-heavy city can be challenging, especially if you have asthma or other breathing conditions. The good news is that you can take steps to protect your health and stay safe no matter what the air quality is like outside. The best way to prevent indoor air pollution is to keep your windows closed, use an air filter, and use an air purifier. Stay active by exercising and eating clean foods. Finally, protect your lungs with good habits like avoiding second-hand smoke, staying away from polluted areas, and wearing a mask when necessary.
