Look After Your Lungs

On Wednesday 7th May I joined the British Lung Foundation at an event to raise awareness of the importance of healthy lungs.

Recent statistics on lung disease show that respiratory disease now kills one in five people in the UK and one person in every seven in this country is affected by lung disease. The UK’s death rate from respiratory disease is almost double the European average and the sixth highest in Europe. The British Lung Foundation works for those affected by lung disease and focuses its resources on providing support for people affected by lung disease today.

The British Lung Foundation is urging members of the public of all ages to protect their lungs and to keep them healthy by taking regular exercise. I took to an exercise bike to help to demonstrate how exercise like cycling or brisk walking allows the lungs to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the working muscles, helping to keep us fitter and healthier. The BLF also wants people to protect their lungs from smoke and other substances because any resulting damage cannot be repaired and reduces the amount of oxygen absorbed into the blood from the lungs.

I was delighted to support the British Lung Foundation’s campaign to encourage us to look after our lungs. We don’t realise how fragile our lungs are and what an important job they do in keeping us mobile and active. I will definitely be making a concerted effort to take more exercise from now on!

Anyone who wants more information about the British Lung Foundation should visit www.lunguk.org or call the BLF Helpline on 08458 50 50 20.