A SWALLOW MAY MAKE A LIFE
When you have to hold your breath—when you are over your head in water, or before you get your mask on in a gas attack—here is a simple trick to remember that may help you save your life. Hold youi' breath as long as you can. Then, when you think you are done for unless you inhale, just swallow once or twice and you'll find that you can hold your breath several more seconds. If necessary, you can repeat the trick. Try it, now. (Naturally, you keep your mouth shut when you swallow.)
The physiological explanation of this phenomenon (if you’re interested) is that our nervous system is so constructed that when we swallow, respirations are inhibited. Which simply means that nature fixed us so that when we eat or drink, no food or water gets into our windpipe.
This is not a trick to file and forget, but one to practise and remember. — U.S. Infantry Journal.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/WWKOR19440424.2.13
Bibliographic details
Korero (AEWS), Volume 2, Issue 8, 24 April 1944, Page 26
Word Count
163A SWALLOW MAY MAKE A LIFE Korero (AEWS), Volume 2, Issue 8, 24 April 1944, Page 26
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