Healthy Lungs for Life

#TakeTheActiveOption in September

Global
01/09/2021 - 30/09/2021

Being active has a beneficial impact on our lung health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that we exercise for 150 minutes per week – that’s just 21 minutes per day!

Being active can look different for all of us. It might be going for a gentle walk or doing chair exercises, running long distances or lifting weights. We all have different bodies and different abilities – but whatever we do, if it gets us breathing heavier and our hearts beating faster, then we are making a positive change to our lung health.

ELF invites you to join our #TakeTheActiveOption in September challenge where we encourage you to complete 21 minutes of activity (or more!) each day to improve your health and raise money for the Healthy Lungs for Life campaign.

Who can take part?

The #TakeTheActiveOption in September challenge is open to anyone of any ability! You can join on your own or as part of a team and encourage your family, friends or colleagues to join in with you!

Why take part?

  • To improve your lung health
  • To raise funds for amazing events promoting healthy lungs across the world
  • Celebrate World Lung Day on 25 September

How to take part

  1. Decide whether you want to do it alone or if you want to team up! If you are teaming up, recruit your team and come up with a team name.
  2. Register before 15 August to get a free HLfL neck gaiter. You can still sign up until 12 September, but we will not be able to provide a neck gaiter.
  3. If you are fundraising, start getting your sponsorships.
  4. 1 September – start your activities! At least 21 minutes per day, or more if you like! Encourage your team members and raise funds for HLfL. And share your photos and details of what you are up to on social media using #TakeTheActiveOption or via email – info@europeanlung.org
  5. You can change the activity you do each day and can choose anything that challenges you personally.
  6. Keep going!!
  7. Be proud that you did something great for yourself and for others by raising important funds for HLfL events to encourage others to look after their lung health.

Below are some examples that might inspire you:

  • Explore your local area by foot, bike or something totally different!
  • Try our easy at home exercise videos
  • Go for a swim
  • Challenge yourself to a new running personal record (whether starting as a beginner or getting a sub 21min 5km)
  • Try paddle boarding
  • Do an online 30-day yoga challenge
  • Try a new sport
  • Or if none of these are possible with your current health, spend those 21 minutes on some mindfulness for your mental wellbeing.

Are you attending the ERS Virtual Congress?

As the ERS International Congress goes virtual for the second year, why not re-connect with your colleagues, friends or acquaintances and team up for the challenge? You could compete against other teams to raise the most money for HLfL, helping to fund future lung health events and doing something good for yourself too!