We rarely think about breathing except when we have trouble doing so and that’s why every October is Healthy Lung Month. Numerous organizations have joined forces to educate the public about the importance of protecting our lungs against general neglect, bronchitis, mold, air pollution, and smoking. The bottom line is If we take care of our lungs, our lungs will take care of us.
History of Healthy Lung Month
Lung health has been a concern throughout human history and a phenomenon that has intrigued doctors, health workers, and scientists. Diseases such as tuberculosis, the flu, and many other airborne ailments have been around for a long time, looming over societies like a deadly blanket.
Tuberculosis, or TB, has been among the most prominent lung diseases in history, with traces of it even being found in ancient Egyptian mummies. It was tuberculosis that prompted the start of the American Lung Association in 1904.
More recently anti-smoking movements have joined in the healthy lung movement. Cigarette packaging warnings were established in 1966 and years of campaigning have successfully led to the change in perception of smoking among the American public, with Americans now realizing smoking is a major cause of cancer.
Lung disease affects a huge number of Americans. Around 10 million are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis each year, 25 million are believed to be living with asthma, and over 150,000 die from lung cancer annually. Our lungs are important and Healthy Lung Month is an opportunity to create awareness around healthy lifestyle choices.