Health

Breathing for happiness
25 September marks World Lung Day – an important day for lung health advocacy and action. In this special feature story, we take a deep dive into the science of breathing with psychologist & researcher Emma Seppälä, Ph.D.

Breathing freely – how to live a good day with asthma
What we can learn from Finland and the Nordics about empowering people living with asthma

Is your COPD treatment plan up to date?
Simple adjustments can improve life with COPD. An annual check-up with a doctor is a must.

Not just a ‘smoker’s cough’: 3 symptoms that could be COPD
Even for people who smoke, respiratory symptoms are not normal or inevitable – and they could be a sign of a condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Asthmatic Sirpa Ärmänen likes to keep fit by playing golf
Golf has been part of Sirpa Ärmänen's life for over 20 years. Her social hobby provides brisk outdoor exercise – and helps with asthma.

Eco-salon brings relief for asthmatic hairdresser
Preventable chemical exposure poses an asthma risk in many occupations. One is hairdressing, where many salon workers become sensitized to substitutable synthetics. Asthmatic Outi Sinimäki-Laaksonen was able to stay in the job she loves by opening her own organic salon.

A healthy diet may ease asthma symptoms
It's possible to prevent your asthma symptoms with healthy diet rich in fish and fresh vegetables.

Spring’s in the air: 5 ways to take care of your lungs
Spring can be a difficult time for people living with asthma and COPD. Read these 5 tips on improving your well-being during spring.

How to sleep better with asthma?
Read these four practical steps which help you deal with night-time symptoms.

Recipes for balance and well-being
Sara La Fountain, an internationally renowned chef, shares her philosophy for using food as a source of inspiration, enjoyment, and overall well-being.

Living with COPD: Exercise is the best medicine
Being diagnosed with COPD marked a pivotal transformation in Jaana Koponen’s life. She shares the story of how exercise has slowed down the progression of her symptoms.

Breathing exercise for shortness of breath
When you're out of breath or need relief for stress or anxiety, try this breathing exercise.

Blogger Karoliina Pentikäinen shares life as an asthmatic in the times of pandemic
Being an asthmatic can be stressful but influencer Karoliina Pentikäinen has decided not to worry. Caring for her asthma is as important as ever.

Regular exercise is good for your health and asthma control
Establishing a regular exercise routine has many health benefits – especially for those living with asthma. Jari Parkkari, Professor of Sports and Exercise Medicine, shares his tips for exercising more and boosting your lung health.

Opera singer’s inspiring tips for stronger breathing
On 17 November 2021, World COPD Day, with its theme “Healthy lungs – never more important” will aim to help boost global awareness of the condition, to share the latest knowledge about this debilitating disease, and to discuss the various ways that can help to reduce the negative impact of COPD worldwide.

Tips for teachers: How to support children with asthma at school
“It’s important for teachers to know when one of their students has asthma so they can support them properly,” says Kaisa Toikko, expert of asthma, allergies and skin diseases at Finland’s Allergy, Skin and Asthma Federation.

Power up your lungs – how to take care of your asthma with exercise in 2021
One of the best ways to care for your respiratory system is good exercise. And if your asthma is well controlled, there’s no reason it should stop you from getting the blood pumping. Regular workouts strengthen and build your lung capacity, so there’s no time like the present to try out a new hobby.

Every breath he takes and every move he makes– Mariano’s story about COPD
Living with COPD for over 20 years, Mariano Pastor has accomplished things that once seemed impossible. One step at a time, he has learnt to manage his disease and carry on with his life.

Differences in knowledge about COPD in Finland, Spain and Germany – How well do you know?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease for which there is no cure. However, the disease may be managed with the right treatment. In November 2020, the pharmaceutical company Orion Pharma commissioned a survey to find out what level of knowledge exists among ordinary people in Finland, Germany and Spain (N=1,000 for each country) concerning the symptoms and treatment of COPD.

My asthma diagnosis at 40 was life-changing – in a good way
Just before turning 40 Tanja Heleä got up from her office chair and jumped into an exercise program of first gym, walking and cycling, and then running. Then came the asthma attacks.

Asthma and COPD travelling tips
Make your next holiday symptom-free and focus all your attention and energy on the call to adventure.

Can hormones affect my asthma?
Self-care is important for all women with asthma, especially at times of hormonal change.

Don’t let asthma or COPD ruin your love life
Here are some tips for not letting asthma get in the way of your love life.

5 tips to boost your immune system for winter
Here are a few useful tips to help you power through the cold and flu season.

How to support someone with COPD
Dr. Daniela Figueiredo gives advice on how to support your loved one with COPD and yourself.

How exercise can help with COPD
Studies show that exercise can help people with COPD. The key is to go slow and steady.

Overcoming your fear of an asthma attack
If you feel a flare-up in your asthma symptoms, it's important to stay calm and positive.

Does your weight affect your asthma?
While it has been unclear which comes first – if obesity leads to asthma or if asthma leads to weight gain – recent studies have shown that both are possible.

New to asthma? 6 simple steps to breathing easier
With good treatment, you can reduce the risk of asthma attacks.
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