All you need is the air that you breathe - just to be healthy!

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!)