The rate of smoking among adults is now reported to be at a record low of 11% and encouragingly, less adolescents are vaping. Both children and adults, however, are leading more sedentary life styles. What is surprising is that these more sedentary life styles pose a variety of health risks including for the lungs. A recent journal article suggested that physical inactivity leads to a decrease in respiratory muscle efficiency and reduced lung volumes.
A Mayo Clinic review found that adults that sit for more than 8 hours a day and do not have any physical activity have a risk of death similar to that associated with obesity and smoking. This finding is disturbing when you consider that more than 80% of jobs in the US are said to be “mostly sedentary activities”.
Declines in lung function are part of the natural aging process. These changes are currently unavoidable and irreversible. However, sedentary life styles and behavior can accelerate the decline. There is a long list of additional symptoms and conditions that occur when you are sedentary. Keep in mind that regular activity and exercise cannot reverse the changes in respiratory function that occur with aging but they can counteract the impact on lung health that sedentary life styles create.
The weather is improving and it is a good time to consider some activity outdoors. Walking is the most common activity most people use. It is cheap and always open for business. Consider some regular activity
