Environmental Wellness: Creating a Health-Supportive Space

By Colin Butler, MS, CSCS, ACSM-GEI, EIM and CF Warrior

The topic of Environmental Wellness will include how to create a clean, safe, and healing environment at home and work. The next several blog posts in this series will includes tips for air quality, managing allergens, reducing exposure to germs, and using tools like air purifiers or humidifiers to support lung health.

Living with cystic fibrosis (CF) means juggling a lot, treatments, meds, clinic visits, infection control, fatigue, the list goes on. So, when you’re trying to build a career or just keep up with your job, it’s not just about finding the right role. It’s also about setting up your environment, both at home and at work, to support your lungs, energy, and overall well-being.

Let’s talk through how you can create a space that helps you stay healthier, more comfortable, and more productive while doing work that matters to you.

Finding Work That Fits Your Life

Let’s be real, working with CF isn’t always easy. Between daily treatments, the risk of infections, and unpredictable energy levels, some careers might not be the right fit. But that doesn’t mean meaningful work is off the table.

For many people with CF, work is about more than just income. It’s a way to stay connected, have purpose, and feel independent. And the good news? Today’s job market is more flexible than ever. Remote work, freelance gigs, and part-time roles can give you the structure, and freedom, you need to care for your health while pursuing your goals.

When you’re exploring jobs, ask yourself:

  • Can I work from home, even part-time?
  • Is the schedule flexible enough for treatments and clinic visits?
  • Is the space clean, well-ventilated, and safe?
  • Will I have insurance or access to the meds I need?

And if you need some adjustments at work, like flexible hours, more sick days, or a private spot for treatments, you might qualify for those under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You deserve a job that works for you, not against you.