Is it getting cold, dark, or stormy where you live? Are you noticing changes in your symptoms or quality of life, such as more frequent coughing or less social satisfaction? Whether you’re facing windy weather or are experiencing a milder winter, fighting PF this time of year can be extra challenging.
We are here to assist you with any questions or concerns that arise, especially as the winter progresses. To prepare for winter-related emergencies, keep your lungs protected from the cold, and optimize mental health and resilience this winter, please join our community forum, sign up for support group, and read our winter-themed tips below.
5 WAYS TO FIGHT PF IN THE WINTER:
- Create a lung-friendly indoor environment
Now that winter is here, many people are spending the majority of their time indoors. You can take steps to ensure that indoor environments are lung-friendly by improving air quality and reducing exposure to environmental toxins. Ways to improve the environment in your workplace and home include:
- Surrounding the space with plants that increase oxygen levels,
- Utilizing air purifiers with HEPA filters to improve air quality,
- Confirming that all cleaning and household products are lung-friendly (and replacing with healthier alternatives if needed)
Please click here for details and specific tips on creating a lung-healthy indoor environment, including recipes to create your own lung-friendly products.
- Prepare for winter emergencies
It’s important to be prepared for emergencies that can impact your home and health. For instance, a power outage can be particularly frightening for someone whose medical equipment requires electricity. Click here for tips on precautions you can take to protect yourself from harm during storms, power outages, indoor heating issues, or other winter weather-related concerns.
- Protect your lungs from winter weather
Winter weather can be very difficult for people with PF – but there are ways to protect yourself throughout the season. For people with PF who live in cold or dry climates, the air can irritate their airways and cause more frequent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Those who live in warmer climates might notice the heat and humidity potentially exacerbating their symptoms due to the hot air creating inflammation in the airways. Either way, there are empowering ways to be proactive and protect your lungs in any climate. Click here to learn more about lung health in the winter.
- Nurture all aspects of your health
When fighting PF, it’s important to address all areas of your health. To consider other components of physical health, starting with heart health in the winter, visit this article. To actively support your mental health in the wintertime, click here. For tips on improving overall resilience, try the guided meditations available here. And for a variety of natural therapies to consider incorporating into your treatment plan, learn more here and discuss the options with your doctor.
- Get involved in our advocacy efforts
Another meaningful way to fight PF is to advocate for yourself, or for someone you know who’s impacted by PF. Get inspired by our community members and advocates here. Follow our instructions for participating in online advocacy efforts here. Share your story in our community forum and in our support group. Please also consider donating your time to support our mission. We would love to interview you as part of our ongoing advocacy series! To volunteer, please contact us.
Remember that we are here to support you all year round. Together, we can fight PF this winter!
Stay In Touch
PF Now! hosts a virtual support group on Zoom every month. Not only will you strengthen your network of connections but you’ll learn firsthand how those with PF best look after themselves. PF Now! also has a Facebook group whose active community shares their PF journey and their tips with others. New to online support groups? Download our free step-by-step guide for online advocacy here.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of any information received from us.
Leave a comment