28 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • NOVEMBER 5, 2020 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
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��ung cancer is the leading
cause of death due to
cancer and the second
most common cancer among
men and women in the United
States, according to the Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention. Cigarette smoking
and secondhand smoke
greatly increase a person’s
risk of lung cancer, according
to Dr. Benjamin Lee, chief of
thoracic surgery at NewYork-
Presbyterian Queens. However,
there are other ways to
prevent lung cancer and other
respiratory diseases.
In recognition of Lung Cancer
Awareness Month, Dr. Lee
shared tips for prevention and
lung health.
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According to the American
Lung Association, cigarette
smoking is the major cause of
lung cancer and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease
(COPD), which encompasses
chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Cigarette smoke can narrow
the air passages and make
breathing difficult, causing
chronic inflammation, which
can lead to chronic bronchitis.
Over time, cigarette smoke
destroys lung tissue and may
trigger changes that grow into
cancer. If you smoke, it’s never
too late to talk to your doctor
about quitting.
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A recent Johns Hopkins
Bloomberg School of Public
Health study shows that a
higher intake of antioxidant-
and flavonoid-rich fruits, like
apples and tomatoes, was associated
with a slower decline
in lung function, especially
among ex-smokers. Eating
about four servings of fruit per
day can help support the longterm
health of your lungs.
3. Prevent infection. Respiratory
infections can become
very serious quickly.
Incorporate small habits every
day to protect yourself. Always
wash your hands, brush
your teeth twice a day, get a flu
shot, and avoid crowds during
cold and flu season.
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Over time, we lose the ability
to inhale the maximum
amount of oxygen we need for
our health. Practice breathing
exercises like abdominal
breathing, which can help you
maintain correct posture and
take full breaths. For patients
who have pulmonary fibrosis
or COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation
can serve as part of the
treatment routine. Rehabilitation
programs combine exercise,
education, and support to
help patients learn to breathe
and function at the highest
level possible. Talk with your
doctor about breathing exercises
that would work best for
you.
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Air pollution can negatively
affect you and your family’s
lung health. Check daily
air pollution forecasts in your
area and stay indoors when
the air is unhealthy in your
community. Also avoid exposure
to indoor pollutants that
can damage your lungs, like
secondhand smoke and radon,
a naturally occurring gas that
is colorless, tasteless and odorless.
Test your home for radon
– test kits are easy to use and
inexpensive.
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Aerobic exercise can improve
lung capacity, meaning
the amount of oxygen you take
in with each breath. Try to include
resistance workouts in
your routines, such as going
uphill during your daily walk
or using the interval setting
when running on the treadmill.
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Regular checkups help
you and your physician stay
informed and updated on the
state of your health. COPD
and other lung diseases can
often go undetected until it is
too late, but seeing your doctor
annually can help catch
these diseases early and treat
them effectively.
Benjamin Lee, M.D., is the
chief of thoracic surgery at New-
York-Presbyterian Queens and
an assistant professor of clinical
cardiothoracic surgery at Weill
Cornell Medicine. He is a boardcertified
thoracic surgeon specializing
in the diagnosis and
surgical treatment of disorders
and diseases of the chest, including
benign and malignant
tumors of the lungs and esophagus.
To schedule a screening at
NewYork-Presbyertian Queens
call 718-888-2062
Don’t delay.
Early lung cancer detection
can help save lives.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
When found early, it is more likely to be successfully treated.
Talk to your healthcare provider about risk factors and
scheduling your lung cancer screening today.
To schedule a screening, call 718-888-2062
or visit nyp.org/queens-lung-cancer-screening
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