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highplainsdem

(49,004 posts)
Sat Mar 7, 2020, 09:09 PM Mar 2020

Deep breathing & coughing exercises to help lungs (hope it's okay to post this here) [View all]

A lot of DUers are older, which puts us at greater risk of pneumonia if we catch Covid-19.

But there are some simple exercises that can help improve lung function, which most people aren't aware of unless they've already had problems with lung function, or have been taught to do these to reduce risk of pneumonia after surgery.

I hope it's okay to post about these here in GD, since this is the most active forum.

You can find lots of info online, including videos, but here are a couple of links to start:

From the American Lung Association:

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/protecting-your-lungs/breathing-exercises.html

From the University of Maryland's Baltimore Washington Medical Center:

https://www.umms.org/bwmc/health-services/lung-health/copd/treatment/breathing-exercises


Some sites recommend the use of a spirometer to help with breathing exercises. That isn't necessary, but if you want to get one, many are available for under $15.

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For seniors with mobility issues this is not bad advise. For everyone else, CARDIO. KentuckyWoman Mar 2020 #1
As I said, you don't need the gizmo/spirometer. And btw, even runners can benefit from highplainsdem Mar 2020 #4
Sorry- poor verbiage on my part - yes everyone can benefit... of course. KentuckyWoman Mar 2020 #9
I don't want people who don't need spirometers hoarding them, either, which is why I said they're highplainsdem Mar 2020 #14
From someone who has asthma -- cardio by itself isn't as good as keeping your lungs clear pnwmom Mar 2020 #30
Maybe cross post to the Health Group... littlemissmartypants Mar 2020 #2
Thanks! Just did: highplainsdem Mar 2020 #5
These are great. Also, playing the harmonica may help! Tanuki Mar 2020 #3
Great link! Thanks! highplainsdem Mar 2020 #15
Maybe those years of singing lessons will be useful after all The Velveteen Ocelot Mar 2020 #6
Made me laugh. KentuckyWoman Mar 2020 #11
LOL! But yes, singing lessons help with breathing. highplainsdem Mar 2020 #43
Good post! burrowowl Mar 2020 #7
Thank you! highplainsdem Mar 2020 #17
I have asthma and I always had trouble getting enough breath to sing. You Maraya1969 Mar 2020 #8
My voice teacher said you should visualize breathing The Velveteen Ocelot Mar 2020 #10
That's a good one. Thank you. Maraya1969 Mar 2020 #13
My flute teacher used to tell me to "breathe from the uterus". I was in fourth grade and FailureToCommunicate Mar 2020 #23
Thanks. I also believe it's healthy to deep-breathe in the shower..... KY_EnviroGuy Mar 2020 #12
What a great tip! Thanks! highplainsdem Mar 2020 #16
In addition, one of my best health maintenance investments has been.... KY_EnviroGuy Mar 2020 #24
K&R. Very valuable information! bronxiteforever Mar 2020 #18
Thanks! I hope this will help at least a little. highplainsdem Mar 2020 #40
thanks Hamlette Mar 2020 #19
Great post. Thanks. Squinch Mar 2020 #20
Another breathing exercise I learned from a voice teacher: The Velveteen Ocelot Mar 2020 #21
Important post! Thank you! lucca18 Mar 2020 #22
Thank you for posting this..nt helpisontheway Mar 2020 #25
Most definitely OK. paleotn Mar 2020 #26
Thank you very much. Joinfortmill Mar 2020 #27
I've had asthma for years- Here's what helps me: TygrBright Mar 2020 #28
Thanks flying_wahini Mar 2020 #45
I find if I sing Sweet Caroline as loud as I can, it clears out my lungs pretty well. tclambert Mar 2020 #29
Thanks for posting this! n/t pnwmom Mar 2020 #31
When my husband came home Control-Z Mar 2020 #32
Yes that device given out after surgery is called an incentive spirometer wishstar Mar 2020 #41
Yoga. Everyone can do yoga regardless of condition. Find asanas that work for you. malchickiwick Mar 2020 #33
Great post. Something we can actually do that might help. Some good ideas in thread. Hoyt Mar 2020 #34
also: run around the couch certainot Mar 2020 #35
70 years old and smoked for 45 years. safeinOhio Mar 2020 #36
Well, I certainly appreciate it! Thank you for posting this. PatrickforO Mar 2020 #37
You have me digging out the spirometer I had after moonscape Mar 2020 #38
Those taking BP meds like Valsartan, Losartan, etc make sure you keep up on your prescribed dosage. roamer65 Mar 2020 #39
kick highplainsdem Mar 2020 #42
Kick... great advice...nt N_E_1 for Tennis Mar 2020 #44
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