If you sang along with that title, then you are showing your age! |
But it is true – we
inhale and exhale approximately 17,280 times each day (if your respiration rate
is 12 per minute). Breathing and the
beating of your heart are the only two constants that, if they cease, life
ceases also, within minutes. So that
places the respiratory system at the top of our list of important things to
know about our body, right?
Since your
breathing is ever with you, you certainly notice when it is not functioning
properly. We can certainly figure out
the ‘why’ of many pulmonary (lung) problems by first understanding ‘how’ your
lungs are supposed to work.
You will learn the
basics of lung structure and function in this Health by Systems:101 class on
The Respiratory System, but there are three ‘out of the box’ concepts that will
be emphasized.
Carbon Dioxide is
the first: Many of you have heard us
refer to CO2 (about 100 times in every class).
Yet, my pathophysiology textbooks refer to CO2 as a waste product, as if
it were an undesirable component to our cells and metabolism. NOT SO!
And what does that mean to you?
This is one substance you cannot order from Amazon or find at your local
health food store.
The Buteyko Method
is the second: This program of exercises and strategies, identified by Dr.
Buteyko, to normalize breathing and relieve symptoms of many lung diseases is
worth learning about. And it is related
to concept #1 above, CO2.
Your immune system
is the third: For many years, my lung
health was marked by two holidays.
Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day (or maybe Easter on a bad year). I acquired bronchitis by the time Santa was
to arrive and coughed until potatoes were supposed to be planted. Well, that stopped about six years ago. I may get a short-term ‘lung bug’ every other
year or so, but the improvement is remarkable (and less costly). Your immune system must be strengthened by
nutrition and digestion!
So take a deep breathe… and be amazed at
what just happened!
Check out the details of my Third Monday
classes (the where, when & how much) at www.energyconcepts101.com.
Bring a friend and a paper bag!! (some of you know what that is about!)
