The Air Rescue Team of FEMERAID International informs all our members, Knights and Dames of the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, Federation of the Autonomous Priories (KMFAP) about the followings:
COVID has highlighted the importance of better lung care. Unfortunately, due to demographic pressures, our lungs are increasingly exposed to pollution, poor dietary habits and a passive lifestyle. It is essential to reorient our habits to protect our lungs and overall health.
For example:
- smoking can narrow and inflame the airways, leading to breathing difficulties and lung damage
- carpets can trap allergens and chemicals that can harm lung health
- gas-powered appliances can release nitrous oxide, which can inflame the lungs and trigger asthma
- cockroach droppings can also cause lung problems if stirred into the air
- regularly clean humidifiers and AC filters to prevent lung infections.
Monitoring the Air Quality Index in your area will track pollution, which may come from factories, fires, cars, dust, pollen and other sources, and you should avoid being outdoors when the Air Quality Index is low.
• Avoid processed meats, as the nitrites used in the processing and preserving cured meats may cause inflammation and stress to the lungs. Bacon, ham, deli meat and sausage all fall into the processed meat category.
• Avoid soft drinks. Adults who drank more than five sweetened soft drinks per week were more likely to have persistent bronchitis and kids were more likely to have asthma.
• Avoid salt. A diet high in sodium can worsen asthma symptoms. Limits are usually 1,500 to 2,300 mg per day.
In fact, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes are the risk factors for COVID patients, contributing to prolonged hospitalization and higher mortality rates.
30th May 2024
Dr. Nuno Gonçalo Cosmelli
Air Physician
Director of Air Rescue Service
General Secretary of FEMERAID International