National Respiratory Care Week: Remember to exercise those lungs
Respiratory therapy at VMH ... National Respiratory Care Week is a good time to remind the public to exercise those lungs. Not only is exercise good for the heart, but it also helps keep the lungs in great shape. Connor Meyer, Respiratory Therapist at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH), is pictured here with the BIPAP V60. The BIPAP device helps push air into lungs through a mask. This device is commonly used for patients with sleep apnea, COPD, or Respiratory Failure. Submitted photo.
by Connor Meyer, Respiratory Therapist, Veterans Memorial Hospital
National Respiratory Care Week is a good time to remind the public to exercise those lungs. Not only is exercise good for the heart, but it also helps keep the lungs in great shape!
Connor Meyer, Certified Respiratory Therapist, recommends the following to keep lungs healthy:
• Exercise at least 30 minutes five days a week, while focusing on good quality, consistent breaths.
• Take a break every hour to take in five deep breaths and slowly exhale. This not only helps with your lung capacity, but it also helps prevent infections from settling in your lungs. Plus it is a great exercise to reduce stress!
• Drink plenty of water to be sure to stay hydrated.
• Get outside into the fresh air every day!
At Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH), she can help with lung problems by having your primary care provider order a test called a pulmonary function test. This test determines how well your lungs are functioning. Pulmonary Function Tests help you find out certain conditions like asthma, COPD, or other breathing problems.
For more information, contact the Respiratory Therapy Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.
