Embrace Healthier Lungs This World Lung Day

On September 25, 2025, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is spotlighting the importance of lung health for everyone through its global initiative, "Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life." This crucial day is all about empowering individuals and communities to take actionable steps toward safeguarding their respiratory health.

A Call to Action from Experts

FIRS President, Professor Guy Marks, emphasizes the need for individual and systemic action: "Healthy lungs are vital for a healthy life. This World Lung Day, we urge people to adopt daily practices to protect their lungs. Additionally, we’re launching two pivotal global initiatives." These initiatives aim to redefine lung disease management through comprehensive prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

Transformative Global Initiatives

FIRS is spearheading two major campaigns: 1. **The FIRS Lung Health Taskforce** – This initiative reimagines lung health assessment by focusing on biological and social influences throughout an individual's life. A key component includes the creation of a Spirometry Toolkit for clinicians to standardize lung health measurements globally. 2. **Improving Access to Inhaled Medicines** – Tackling the heavy toll of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, particularly in low-resource areas, this campaign aims to make affordable medications accessible. With only five years remaining to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, swift action is critical for saving lives.

Simple Daily Actions for Lung Protection

While systemic changes are underway, individuals can also take simple steps to ensure their lung health daily, including: - 🌬️ **Breathe Clean Air** – Steer clear of polluted environments and advocate for clean air regulations. - 🚭 **Be Smoke-Free** – Commit to quitting smoking and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. - 🏃‍♂️ **Stay Active** – Regular physical activity boosts lung function. - 💉 **Vaccinate** – Protect yourself against flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19. - 🌍 **Fight Climate Change** – Support initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. - 🍏 **Eat a Balanced Diet** – Maintain a nutritious diet to promote respiratory health.

Join the Global Conversation

FIRS invites healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to unite for better lung health. Join their World Lung Day webinar on September 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM BST, with Professor Guy Marks, to discuss critical issues facing lung health and the need for consistent global standards.

About FIRS

The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is a leading collective of global respiratory societies, representing over 100,000 members worldwide. Dedicated to advancing lung health, FIRS works tirelessly to ensure that healthy lungs lead to healthy lives for all.