As pupils prepare for the summer holidays, the Lung Health 4 Life (LH4L) project returned to Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal, revisiting two primary schools in the D. José I cluster. The follow-up visit built on educational activities and spirometry testing carried out in November and December 2025, exploring how well children had retained key messages about lung health and healthy habits. The visit was carried out by LH4L partner, the Portuguese Association of General and Family Medicine.
During the initial phase of the project, pupils took part in interactive activities designed to help them understand how the lungs work, recognise risk factors such as tobacco smoke and air pollution, and adopt healthier habits, including regular physical activity and avoiding harmful exposures. As children’s lungs are still developing, childhood is an important time to build the knowledge and healthy habits that can support lifelong lung health.
These messages are particularly relevant as the summer break begins. Hot weather and poor air quality can affect lung health, making it especially important for children and families to understand how everyday choices can help protect their lungs.
The follow-up visit explored how well pupils had retained key messages from the sessions and whether the activities had influenced their attitudes and behaviours towards lung health.
The results showed encouraging levels of awareness and engagement. The visit also highlighted the important role families play in reinforcing healthy habits, because positive routines at home can strengthen and sustain what children learn at school.
The initiative demonstrates the value of school-based health education and the importance of early prevention. By building knowledge and confidence early, the Lung Health 4 Life project is helping children take an active role in caring for their lung health, both during the school year and beyond.Click here to read more about the initiative: https://shorturl.at/PVxgo
