Better Breathing

5 Ways to Love Your Lungs

Your lungs and breathing are essential parts of life; however, many people take their lung health for granted until something goes wrong.

Unfortunately, too many people across the United States are impacted by lung disease. When combined with lung cancer and respiratory diseases like COVID-19 and influenza, lung disease is a leading cause of death in America, and there are 34 million Americans living with a chronic lung disease like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

While there are things that impact our lung health daily, like secondhand smoke, pollution, and respiratory infections, there are actions we can take to keep our lungs healthy.

Here are five ways to love your lungs:

Stop smoking and vaping: If you smoke cigarettes or vape, the best thing you can do for your lungs

is to start your journey to quit. Experts recommend combining counseling and FDA-approved quit medication for the best chances of quitting smoking and vaping for good.

Get all recommended respiratory vaccines: Illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal pneumonia can have a serious impact on your lungs, so it is critical to make sure you are up to date on all vaccinations.

If you are eligible, get screened for lung cancer: If you smoke or used to smoke, talk to your healthcare provider about lung cancer screening. Learn if you are eligible at SavedbytheScan.org.

Exercise to maintain healthy lungs: When you are physically active, your heart and lungs work together to supply the additional

oxygen your muscles demand. As your physical fitness improves, your body becomes more efficient at getting oxygen into the bloodstream and transporting it to the working muscles.

Do your part to improve air quality: Air pollution impacts people living with lung disease but can also cause lung cancer. You can protect your own health by checking daily air pollution forecasts on AirNow.gov, and you can reduce your contributions to air pollution by walking or biking instead of driving and not burning trash or leaves.

As part of our mission to ensure all Americans breathe easier, we are inviting companies, consumers and lung health champions everywhere to join our Lung Love campaign. Learn more about how you can join the #LungLove movement at Lung.org/Lung-Love.

WRITTEN BY Harold Wimmer National President & CEO, American Lung Association

Sponsored by the American Lung Association

When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.®

INTERVIEW WITH Melissa Scheichl The Allergy Mom

WRITTEN BY Ross Elliot

The Allergy Mom’s Tips for Kids With Allergies

When she first started the website, she had no idea whether anyone was going to read it.

“I was amazed over the years by how many people actually read our story and said they were really thankful to know that there was someone else going through the same thing,” Scheichl said.

Allergies suspected

When Scheichl’s first son Andrew was born, she suspected he had allergies. “He had a lot of mucus and he was having difficulty breathing,” she said. After months of sleepless nights, Scheichl asked a doctor about testing for allergies. “My doctor was a little bit surprised that I was requesting it because at the time they didn’t

think babies that young could test positive,” Scheichl said. “She allowed us to go see a pediatric allergist, who said that was the first baby she had ever tested. She did all the skin pricks, and these raging hives started popping up for different allergens: environmental, dust, and dog dander.”

When her daughter Kate was born, she also showed symptoms of allergies. “At 9 months old, she was diagnosed with food allergies,” Scheichl said.

The road ahead

Many brands now cater specifically to allergen-free food consumers, “even companies that aren’t specifically for food allergies but do the due diligence of writing ‘may contain…’” Scheichl said.

Sponsored

The Gold Standard for Those With Chronic Respiratory Conditions

Asthma and similar long-term respiratory ailments significantly affect the lives of more than 25 million Americans, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The physical strain is undeniable, and the financial burden can be overwhelming. The Annals of the American Thoracic Society (AATS) reports that on average, individuals with these conditions face an additional $1,766 in medical costs each year. However, imagine a world where you could detect triggers like COVID-19 or the flu at their earliest stages, right from the comfort of your own home. This dream is becoming a reality with the

introduction of a groundbreaking home health platform by Scout.

Fast, simple, accurate Scout has developed an at-home diagnostic platform powered by a unique and patented chemistry known as Loop-de-Loop LAMP. It is poised to revolutionize personal healthcare by providing a faster, simpler, and equally accurate alternative to traditional PCR testing, with results delivered right to your phone or tablet. The first release for the Scout platform is COVID Scout— a PCR-quality, at-home COVID test that’s easy to use.

COVID Scout is set to launch very soon, with pre-registrations currently open on www.tryscout. health. The platform’s user-friendly

Scheichl makes a lot of food from scratch, and she shares recipes on her blog. “I’ve had to learn how to make things I probably wouldn’t have made otherwise, like samosas and wontons,” she said.

Sharing her story at theallergymom.com and hearing from other parents has helped Scheichl through the confusion and concern.

“What has been amazing is how many people have read it, not just parents of children with allergies, but a lot of businesses and brands that are wanting to cater to this population because it is so prevalent,” she said. “I would have loved to have a resource like The Allergy Mom website when my daughter was first diagnosed.”

design eliminates the need for special training — all it takes is a simple swab-and-wait procedure. The results are then conveniently delivered right to your smart device within 30 minutes, equipping you with the power to act swiftly in the face of potential illness.

A healthier future COVID Scout goes beyond early detection; it empowers individuals, particularly those with chronic respiratory conditions, by providing them with the knowledge and tools to proactively manage their health. With the platform’s arrival, a healthier future awaits millions with the potential for substantial savings on medical expenses. Scout is a company backed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Scout is dedicated to keeping you and your family healthy by providing fast and accurate health data. Beyond COVID, Scout is developing tests for flu, STIs, and more. ‘

Written by Alex Jiao, Co-founder, Scout

Publisher Sari Karpe Business Developer Joanna Tronina Managing Director Julia Colavecchia Production Manager Taylor Daniels Lead Editor Dustin Brennan

Melissa Scheichl started her blog “The Allergy Mom” in 2010 as she raised two children with severe allergies.

COVID Scout is enabling early detection of respiratory triggers from home, revolutionizing personal healthcare with faster, simpler, and affordable diagnostics.

Testing for Indoor Radon Is the Smart Health Choice

begun to spread.

However, in recent years there has been substantial improvement in preliminary blood screenings that can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages. This is when it can be treated most successfully. As radon is a leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States (and around the world), individuals who suspect they’ve been exposed to high radon concentrations may benefit from these blood tests.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be found all over the planet. It is colorless and odorless, and impossible to detect with sight or smell. Although radon is usually found in very low concentrations outdoors, it tends to accumulate inside homes where it can pose a health risk.

Leading cause of lung cancer in “never smokers”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization have declared radon as the second-leading cause for lung cancer, where it is superseded only by cigarette smoking. Many of these radon-induced lung cancers occur in “never smokers;” individuals who have never picked up a cigarette or been exposed to second-hand smoke throughout their lives. Although lung cancer can affect anyone, recent studies have shown that women are more likely to develop this disease; it is actually a leading cause of cancer deaths among

females. Many non-smoking women were diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer after being exposed to elevated radon concentrations in their homes.

As the correlation between radon and lung cancer became known, many of these women shared their stories and became the first advocates to raise radon awareness. Unfortunately, many of these brave women died as a result of their cancer.

The risk of lung cancer from residential radon in “never smokers” is significant, and much higher than from environmental pollutants, indoor air pollution (such as cooking oil vapors or coalburning stoves), asbestos, and genetic predisposition. An overwhelming majority of the radon epidemiological studies have found a direct correlation between residential radon exposures and lung cancer rates.

Find it early with indoor testing

Historically, the majority of lung cancer cases have very high mortality rates because they are not diagnosed until the disease reaches Stage III or IV, after the cancer has metastasized and

Despite recent advancements in preliminary screening techniques, the preferred method to reduce the risk of lung cancer is to minimize exposure to known causes, such as elevated indoor radon and cigarette smoke. Your residential radon level can be measured by either purchasing a home test kit or hiring a certified radon professional who is listed by the National Radon Safety Board or National Radon Proficiency Program.

These national certification programs ensure that approved test devices are accurate, and that qualified professionals follow national measurement and mitigation protocols. It’s important to note that some states have created their own certification programs, so you should check if any local guidelines exist.

If the radon concentration in your home meets or exceeds the EPA action limit of 4.0 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L), you should strongly consider hiring a certified mitigation professional who can help reduce your home’s radon concentration to safer levels. The EPA recommends that mitigation should be considered even in homes with lower radon concentrations (between 2 and 4 picoCuries per Liter).

The cost to remediate is nominal given the health benefits from doing so.

Written by Andreas George, Member, National Radon Safety Board

National Radon Safety Board member Andreas George has a lifetime of experience in the field of radon, and here sheds light on the importance of and best ways to test for elevated levels of it in your home.

Asthma Medicine Can Help Children Stay in School

Is your child’s school ready for an asthma emergency?

Asthma attacks are the number one reason for U.S. school absences because of a chronic disease. And yet, only 17 states allow schools (not just the students with asthma) to carry a supply of emergency asthma medicine.

The CDC estimates that nearly 4 million school-aged U.S. children have asthma.

More states must pass laws that allow trained school staff to provide emergency asthma medication (typically albuterol) to any student in respiratory distress. This would decrease emergency room visits since most children are able to go back to class after taking albuterol.

Just as all 50 states allow schools to have emergency allergy medicine on hand for children with allergies, all 50 states must have laws to allow albuterol in schools as well.

Visit RespHealth.org/Asthma to learn more about our asthma programs and advocate for legislation in your state. Together, we can protect the health and well-being of our students, and provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all children.

About Respiratory Health Association

Respiratory Health Association (RHA) has been a public health leader since 1906. RHA works to prevent lung disease, promote clean air, and help people live better through education, research, and policy change.

Written by Erica Salem, M.P.H., Senior Director, Strategy, Programs, & Policy, Respiratory Health Association (RHA)

How a Lung Cancer Patient Is Helping Others Navigate Their Treatment Journeys

Colleen Conner Ziegler shared her own cancer treatment story and offered advice for others to prioritize their lung health.

When did you first learn that you had lung cancer?

I first learned that I had lung cancer in May of 2015. I had gone to the emergency department in the middle of the night coughing up blood. It was there that I learned that I had lung cancer.

Before being diagnosed, were you being proactive about cancer screenings and your health in general?

I was very proactive. I previously had breast cancer, so I was diligent about accessing whatever cancer screening was available to me. I had also just had my annual physical in February of 2015 and although I was experiencing shortness of breath and a cough, these symptoms did not raise concerns regarding a possible lung cancer diagnosis.

How has your treatment journey been?

My treatment journey has been relatively smooth. I am still responding to my first line of treatment. I have not had radiation or traditional chemotherapy, which I did receive when I had breast cancer. I am on a TKI treatment, which consists of taking eight pills a day. My scans have been stable, although every once in a while something will appear on my brain MRI. I do see a neuro-oncologist and I have been fortunate that these have resolved with my oral treatment, or have been something other than a potential lesion. I do experience side effects, but they are manageable. Fatigue is the biggest side effect I experience. Initially, I had severe muscle pain and significant weight gain. The muscle pain has resolved but the weight gain has not gone away, but I’ll take it!

Why is it important to educate people on the risks of lung cancer and the importance of getting screened?

I often say that lung cancer does not discriminate. Lung cancer does not care what your ethnic background is, your economic status, whether you exercise, eat vegan or fast food, smoke or do not smoke. The only thing you need to get lung cancer are lungs. I think this underscores the importance of being proactive with your physicians and diligent about your care. In underserved communities, being proactive is especially important. There are many reasons, such as social and economic barriers, that impact why people in underserved communities do not reach out to their physicians. Often people are not aware of what some of the signs of lung cancer are. Having regular checkups, screenings, and awareness of signs of a health issue help to change this paradigm.

What advice do you have for our readers to be proactive about their lung health? I believe the best way to be proactive about your health is to be educated. With lung health, it can be confusing. In the early stages of lung cancer, you typically do not experience symptoms. So, it can be challenging to encourage people to be proactive about their lung health when they are not even sure what it is they need to be proactive about. Honestly, I would say if you have a cough that goes on for more than three weeks or you have shortness of breath, be very proactive with your physician and have the appropriate tests (such as a chest X-ray) done. I also think there is a great opportunity to educate medical students, residents, and community physicians about the signs of lung cancer, and to engage them in leading education and awareness by being proactive with their patients.

INTERVIEW WITH Colleen Conner Ziegler Board Member, Lung Cancer Reserach Foundation

Is Your Asthma Under Control?

If you have asthma, you are among the 1 in 13 people in the United States living with the condition.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease. It has two parts: airway inflammation and tightening of the airways, called bronchospasm. Asthma can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. When symptoms suddenly worsen, it is called an asthma attack.

Each day, 11 Americans die from asthma. But in most cases, asthma can be controlled.

What is asthma control?

Good asthma control means minimal asthma symptoms with no limitation of daily activity. People with asthma should be able to do anything someone without asthma can do: sleep through the night; go on a hike; play soccer. People with asthma should be able to live a normal, active life.

Good asthma control requires treatment of symptoms and the underlying inflammation.

• Use a quick-relief inhaler to treat sudden symptoms and open the airways.

• Use a daily controller medication to prevent inflammation.

Ask your doctor to create for you a written Asthma Action Plan. An Asthma Action Plan tells you how to monitor your symptoms and when to use medication to keep your asthma under control.

Steps you can take to control your asthma:

• Take your asthma medications as prescribed.

• Avoid triggers that cause symptoms.

• Get regular check-ups with your doctor.

Avoid asthma triggers Asthma triggers can cause your airways to become inflamed and tighten up, making it harder to breathe. Your doctor will work with you to identify what triggers your asthma. It could be outdoor or indoor allergens, or certain irritants you inhale.

When you find out what triggers your asthma, do your best to avoid those triggers. You might have to make lifestyle changes:

• Stay indoors when pollen counts are high or air quality is poor.

• Clean up mold in your house.

• Avoid exposure to cigarettes.

• Use dust mite-proof encasing on bedding.

• Keep furry pets out of the bedroom.

When to talk with your doctor

If you have frequent asthma symptoms or use your quick-relief inhaler or oral corticosteroids too much, your asthma is not under good control.

Use the “Rules of Two®” to help you know whether your asthma is not under control. Signs of uncontrolled asthma include:

• experiencing asthma symptoms more than two days a week

• waking up at night due to asthma two or more times per month

• refilling your quick-relief inhaler prescription more than

two times per year

• taking oral corticosteroids two or more times per year

• measure changes in your peak flow with asthma symptoms more than two times 10 (20%)

If you answered yes to any of the Rules of Two, or if you have been to the ER or hospitalized due to asthma, follow up with your doctor.

What causes asthma to get out of control?

There are several reasons why asthma can be uncontrolled:

• You might not be following your Asthma Action Plan.

• You might not be on the right medication.

• You might not be using your inhaler correctly. Some types of asthma are very hard to control, such as eosinophilic asthma with Type 2 inflammation. Eosinophilic asthma may require special medications called biologics. You may need to see an asthma specialist. Visit EosAsthma.org and BiologicMeds.org to learn more.

Take an active role

When a doctor prescribes an asthma medication, ask how it works and how to use it. Don’t stop or cut back just because you’re feeling better or concerned about side effects.

If you continue to have hard-tocontrol asthma, consider seeing an asthma specialist.

WRITTEN BY Lynda Mitchell Interim CEO, Allergy & Asthma Network

A Call to Action on Lung Cancer Screening

More than 50% of lung cancer is found in an advanced stage, making it harder to treat and leading to poor outcomes and death.

WRITTEN BY Laurie Fenton Ambrose President & CEO, GO2 for Lung Cancer

Simply put, screening for lung cancer saves lives. We need more of it. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer for men and women in the United States and far surpasses deaths from breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed monumental advances in the early detection of lung cancer through low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), use of this screening tool leads to early diagnosis and reduces lung cancer deaths in screened patients by 20%. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of those eligible for screening are taking advantage of this lifesaving tool.

Addressing barriers to care

Recent guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offer a significant step forward in lung cancer screening coverage for the millions of Americans at risk for the disease. The guidelines lower the initial screening age to 50 from 55 and smoking history requirements to 20 packs per year from 30. These changes expand coverage and double the number of people eligible for lung cancer screening to 13.5 million.

We applaud CMS for moving in the right direction, but more

must and can be done to increase lung cancer screening and save lives. First, CMS ages for screening eligibility range from 50 to 77. With 14 percent of lung cancer diagnosed in patients over 80, the screening age should be increased so we are not writing off a major swath of our population that deserves the same care and shot at life as anyone else. Second, CMS should discontinue the requirement that eligible patients undergo a “counseling and shared decision-making visit” before they are allowed a screening. This requirement does not improve outcomes and poses a significant barrier to screening for the many patients who are hesitant to seek care based on things like fear of stigma or distrust of the health care system. Another barrier to screening that must be addressed involves social determinants of health, which include socioeconomic status, neighborhood characteristics, geographic location, and literacy levels. We know that people with poor social determinants of health not only have poor access to healthcare and are more vulnerable to poor health outcomes, but they are also more likely to smoke cigarettes. This situation creates a terrible recipe for poor lung cancer prognosis in our most underserved communities.

More education about the availability and importance of lung cancer screenings in these at-risk communities must be a priority for public and private healthcare systems.

Be proactive

In addition, as the COVID-19 pandemic shed light on health disparities in our most vulnerable communities, the pandemic set us up for more hidden cases of lung cancer as lockdowns and fears prevented people from visiting their doctor for an extended period of time. Now more than ever, it is critical for those at risk for lung cancer to contact their health providers to request lung cancer screening, and for health providers to speak to their patients about the availability of life-saving screenings.

Finally, in addition to addressing barriers to care, the federal government must recognize other risk factors for lung cancer, like significant family history, occupational exposures, secondhand smoke exposure, radon exposure, certain lung disease, and cancer history, and expand screening criteria to include these at-risk people.

To save lives, we must break barriers to lung cancer screening and expand availability. Too many lives are at stake.