(7 July 2025): Breathing is something we do unconsciously every moment of the day, yet the health of our lungs often goes unnoticed until it's compromised. Allianz Partners, a global leader in insurance and assistance services, is shining a spotlight on this crucial aspect of our wellbeing with the latest episode in its Paths to Prevention series.
Lung Health
Allianz Partners releases second instalment in ‘Paths to Prevention’ series spotlighting lung health
New episode highlights the importance of respiratory health and the power of prevention in tackling chronic diseases
The campaign aims to empower individuals to take control of their health by providing evidence-based strategies to prevent chronic diseases. This second instalment focuses on lung health, a vital component in the fight against chronic illnesses. Featuring insights from Dr. Ulli Sucher, Medical Director at Allianz Partners health line of business, the series provides expert guidance on identifying risk factors and adopting prevention strategies for chronic diseases that are realistic, practical and effective.
Respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and lung cancer affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide.(i) While smoking remains the leading risk factor, other contributors—including genetics, air pollution, occupational exposure, and infections—play a significant role.
Air pollution in particular is a growing concern - according to the World Health Organization, exposure to polluted air is responsible for an estimated 6.7 million deaths annually—more than those caused by traffic accidents. (ii)
The Paths to Prevention campaign offers actionable tips to improve our lung health, such as engaging in activities like singing or playing a wind instrument to strengthen respiratory muscles, reducing exposure to smoke and pollutants, and getting vaccinations against infections like influenza, pneumonia, and Covid-19.
Commenting on the newest episode, Mariana Ishchuk, Allianz Partners’ Global Head of Product Management & Innovation, Health, said:
“We’re pleased to launch the second instalment of our Paths to Prevention series—an important campaign underscoring the preventability of many leading chronic diseases. These conditions continue to represent a significant global health challenge, but with the right information and evidence-based guidance, individuals can take proactive steps toward preventive care and ultimately, a better quality of health. Our aim is to inspire meaningful change and contribute to reducing the burden of preventable illness worldwide.”
Dr. Ulli Sucher, Medical Director for Allianz Partners' health business said:
“We take over 20,000 breaths a day without thinking—yet every breath fuels our body. Our lungs often go unnoticed until something’s wrong. But prevention isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s Internal about making breathing feel effortless. Signs like a persistent cough, breathlessness or unexplained fatigue are your lungs’ early warning signals. The good news? Lungs can be trained. Regular exercise, singing, playing wind instruments, or breath-focused yoga can all strengthen lung function and boost oxygen flow. It’s lung exercise in disguise—with real benefits for both body and mind. However, not smoking is the single most important preventable cause of serious lung diseases, between 80% and 90% of all lung cancer cases are directly attributable to tobacco use and it is also the main cause of COPD in Europe. People should stop smoking, or better still, don’t start. (iii) ”
Episode 3 - Cancer
Episode 4 - Diabetes
Episode 5 - Dementia
For further information, please contact:
Fia Long - Fleishman Hillard
References
ii. World Health Organization Air Pollution
ii. European Lung Foundation Keeping Lungs Healthy
About Allianz Partners
Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health and life, travel insurance, mobility and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Our products are embedded seamlessly into our partners’ businesses or sold directly to customers and are available through several commercial brands including Allianz Assistance, Allianz Travel and Allianz Care. Present in over 70 countries, our 22,600 employees speak over 70 languages, handle over 72.9 million cases each year and go the extra mile to offer peace of mind to our customers around the world.
For more information, please visit: www.allianz-partners.com
Important information
Please note that this announcement is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of products or services in any jurisdiction. Our offerings may be subject to geographical limitations, and certain products may not be available in a specific region due to licensing or other restrictions. Additionally, our policies do not provide coverage or benefits for any business or activity that would contravene applicable sanction laws or regulations, including those imposed by the United Nations, the European Union, or other relevant economic or trade sanction authorities.
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