Time to Breathe means different things to different people.  2021 has been a busy year, likely to leave you breathless in more ways than one.

As we phase into 2022, we don’t want to sound like a commercial.  However, we do have a heartfelt advocacy message to share from the American Lung Association. This group helps us to help lung patients every day.

 

Time to Breathe:  Momentum of a Brand New Year

Time to Breathe: Smoke Less and Enjoy Breathing More.

Smoking: This is the Number One Unhealthy Habit in 2022. If You Smoke, Make 2022 Your Year to Quit.

The clock is ticking down the final minutes and hours of 2021.  Additionally, it is also ticking down on the generous offer of the American Lung Association.  In fact, by the time most of you read this blog,  both 2021 and this special offer will be history.

However, if you are one of the lucky ones who donated during this special offer period, you should be able to apply triple your donation on your tax return.  You see, this offer would have tripled your 2021 charitable tax contribution.

On the other hand, if you missed out on this offer, it’s entirely possible to come again in 2022.  At any rate, the American Lung Assoc. is truly worthy of your gifts in the new year.

We mention the American Lung Association because it is in the business of “improving lung health and preventing lung disease.”

Volunteers founded the group 115 years ago. Their great cause at that time was defeating tuberculosis.  “With TB largely controlled in the United States, we have extended that mission to other respiratory diseases.” Now they appeal to us all as  “donors, volunteers, program and event participants, and staff…”

 

American Lung Association:  Stars In My Crown”

An old song asked the question, “Will There Be Any Stars In My Crown.”  And we believe this organization has won theirs.

Here at FLASS, we recognize the American Lung Association’s mission.  We have watched them become “America’s trusted source for lung health education, lung disease research, support, programs, services, and advocacy.”

And we encourage our readers to give them time, talent, and treasure for their worthy cause.  The patient they help might be someone you love—or even, maybe you.Thus, until the clock strikes midnight tonight, your donation to the American Lung Association can make “three times the impact and help save lives?”   Go to this online resource to make it happen.

You will be advocating the visionary causes of defeating lung disease and lung cancer.  Likewise, your dollars will help with fund research, screenings, and education about all types of pulmonary disease.

 

Time to Breath Healthily and Consciously

Share Better Breathing Habits With Your Family For 2022. Check Out the FLASS 5 Steps.

Often in this blog, we focus on sicknesses and diseases.  Yes, we might have to write about disease.  However, let us at least begin 2022 with a focus on wellness and health. It might seem like a slight difference in point of view, but it is actually a paradigm shift. Let us bring you a healthy trend for 2022.

In the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have developed a new appreciation for the physical act of taking a breath. We recently read, “From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the quality of our breathing has been a focal point of conversation, since one of the signs of COVID-19 is shortness of breath.”

And FLASS has often blogged about the shortness of breath experienced by our patients with COPD and Asthma.

 

Time to Breathe Mindfully

“Not being able to catch your breath or take a deep breath is scary…”  and it can “exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety.”  This has caused two years of anxiety and stress even for healthy folks.  That is why some normal people have developed dysfunctional breath patterns.

Are you a healthy person who has suddenly become aware you are breathing shallowly?  Or worse yet, discover you are holding your breath with nervousness from Covid-19 anxiety and mask-wearing?

 

Taking a Look at Healthy Breathing in Honor of the New Year

For 2022, Florida Lung, Asthma, and Sleep Studio Redirect Its Mission to Give You Time To Breathe.

FLASS suggests you learn to regulate both your nervousness and your breathing as part of a new focus on wellness in 2022.

Even as we deal with Covid Variants, becoming more aware of breathing properly can help us ease our anxiety.

 

Time to Breathe, Step By Step

If you are healthy, look below at a simple set of steps to achieve proper deep breathing while you are simply standing up.

The long, deep healthy breaths might feel strange at first. But afterward, you will feel uplifted, stronger, and more energetic. By the way, do not do this exercise if:

  • You have a fever.
  • Have any shortness of breath or difficulty breathing while resting.
  • You have any chest pain or palpitations (“fluttering” of the heart in the chest).
  • Or you have new swelling in your legs.

 

The Ultimate Deep Diaphragmatic Breath Exercise

  1. Stand upright and place your hands around the sides of your stomach. (John Hopkins Medicine recommends this exercise for Coronavirus Recovery)
  2. Close your lips. Then, place your tongue on the roof of your mouth. It’s Time to Breathe in through your nose.
  3. Now comes the challenge. “Breathe in through your nose and pull air down into your stomach where your hands are. Try to spread your fingers apart with your breath.
  4. Slowly exhale your breath through your nose. You can even hum as you exhale.
  5. Repeat deep breaths for one minute. It might seem longer than you think.

 

Our Terrific Take Away:  Time To Breathe Like a Tiger– for 365 Days

Time to Breathe and a Time to Live.

Take Your Best Deep Breathe and Roar With Health. Did You Know 2022 is the Year of the Tiger?

As 2022 has been named the Year of the Tiger, FLASS thinks a few deep breaths might just be the perfect way to begin.  Then, we can roar into 2022.  Additionally, we can focus on wellness and hope for good feelings and good fortunes for 365 days in the New Year.  Have a great first week of 2022!