TO KEEP WELL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20426, 30 November 1929, Page 7 (Supplement)

TO KEEP WELL.

BREATHE CORRECTLY. /

BX A SPECIALIST,

The object of breathing exercises is to assist the sucking in aiid' expulsion of air from the lungs by movements helping the expansion and contraction of the chest. Such exercises not only increase the ventilation of the lungs, but in addition help to loep supple the numerous joints taking part in the formation of the chest wall. In ordinarv quiet breathing, certain parts of the lung, particularly the uppermost portion, are less well ventilated than it he rest. The poorly expanded and aired parts are less resistent. and are frequently the starting points of disease of the lungs. Exertion increases the combustion in the body and more waste products have to be expelled and pure air taken in. In the untrained the waste products accumulate so rapidly that distress and shortness of breath_ result with comparatively slight exertion. Trained muscles work 'more economically than untrained, and a minimum oi poisonous products is produced. In addition the trained person learns to inciease the ventilation of the lungs mainly by increasing the depth of the breaths, whereas, the untrained does it chiefly by-an inciease of the number of breaths, which is more exhausting. A few daily breathing exercises will <1„ much to keep you well, and will pieTent coughs and chest trouble. The arms should be kept well back, palms downwards. Head high. In the same time raise yourself on your toes and draw air into the • lungs deeply throughout the movement, expanding the chest as much as possible. Let out tho air slowly while returning to the original position. The exercise should be repeated six times, in front of an open window or out of doors.