Tips for Oklahomans to Keep New Year Health Resolutions

With the New Year right around the corner, it’s a great time to set some lung health-focused goals. With each of the 23,000 breaths your lungs take daily, they perform essential work to support overall health. Whether you’re managing asthma, quitting smoking, or simply looking to keep your lungs strong, here are some tips from the American Lung Association in Oklahoma to start the year right.

Get Regular Check-ups. Regular check-ups help prevent diseases, even when you are feeling well. This is especially true for lung disease, which sometimes goes undetected until its serious. During a check-up, your healthcare provider will listen to your breathing and concerns. 

Quit Smoking:  The American Lung Association encourages people who smoke, vape, or use tobacco to resolve to begin their quit journey in 2025 and provides tips and resources at Lung.org/Quit-Smoking or call the LungHelpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872). Tobacco remains the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S., and right here at home. E-cigarettes are not a safe or effective way to quit—many health insurance plans cover quit aids and counseling, and open enrollment is available until January 15, 2025, in most states. More info at Lung.org/openenrollment. 

Take the Quiz. In the U.S., 14 million people are at high risk for lung cancer and are eligible for live-saving lung cancer screening. Sadly, only 16% of those deemed high risk for lung cancer are screened for the disease each year. If you smoked, the low-dose CT lung cancer screening test could save your life. Early detection significantly increases the chance of survival. Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths, is more treatable when caught early—survival rates increase by more than four times. If you're aged 50-80 and smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, you may be eligible for screening. Take the 2-minute quiz at SavedByTheScan.org to find out. 

Stay Up to Date on Vaccines. Get your COVID-19 and flu shots (and RSV if eligible). The best way to stay healthy and protect others is to be up to date on your recommended vaccinations and make sure all of your loved ones – from those aged 6 months to 100+ years – are also up to date on theirs.

Limit exposure to Air Pollutants. If possible, avoid environments with high levels of air pollution, chemical fumes, secondhand smoke and other lung irritants. It’s also essential to test your home for radon, a leading cause of lung cancer, and take action if levels are elevated. If you have asthma or other lung health concerns, regularly monitor daily air quality forecasts to take precautions against outdoor air pollution. You can check conditions in your area at Airnow.gov.