Why do so many people have asthma?
submitted for The Blue Mountains Gazette, Wednesday, August 15, 2001
Asthma was once a rare condition. Asthma related deaths were almost unheard of forty years ago. What happened to turn a rare condition into an epidemic?
Modern life with its "plastic" food, sedentary life style, polluted air (both outside and inside the home) and the tense fast pace of today, all add up to biological systems that are on overdrive to try to repair themselves. In other words, our bodies are constantly in a state of fight or flight, trying to run away or fight what we are subjecting them to. With all this stress comes hyperventilation and with that comes conditions such as asthma and panic attacks etc.
Tim J. was 14 years old when his terrified parents called me. Even though he was on a preventative medication, Tim’s condition was worsening and needed both long acting and short acting bronchodilation daily. Going to school was a struggle enough let alone being able to play sport or go on social outings. Tim spent all of his well time in front of his computer or the television. He was very overweight due to a diet full of over refined foods and devoid of fresh fruit and vegetables. Tim’s posture was woeful. Slouching in front of the computer or television certainly saw to that. His bedroom was that of a typical teenager - a dusty disaster area. Tim’s mother did her best to reason with him regarding his diet and room but the diet he chose in combination with the drugged fog he was in made him very irrational. The family was held to ransom by Tim’s asthma.
With a near death trip to hospital from an asthma attack, Tim was finally ready to start listening to someone who could help him. That was when his parents brought him to me. A month or so later Tim is a new boy. His medication now consists of preventer as prescribed by his doctor and brochodilator as needed - which so far is none at all. We still have work to do to reinforce his new life style but with his proactive approach to his breathing, diet, exercise and cleanliness, he is on his way to top health. What a relief for Tim and his family!!!
People suffering symptoms of overbreathing such as asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, breathlessness, headaches, mouth breathing with its associated dental & breathing problems, fatigue etc., are now able to take advantage of a new offer by the Village Fitness Centre (Leura) & myself. We are offering a ten week (one hour class per week) course in Correct Breathing at a reduced rate. With most health funds now granting refunds for Buteyko courses this offer is a bargain!
The first adult course starts August 16th 4-5p.m. There are four spaces left in this class. We are looking to fill another class.
The first children’s class is currently filling up but there is plenty of room for more. Children are Tuesdays 4-5p.m.
For more information on asthma, other breathing problems or the Village Fitness Centre course, phone Jennifer Harris, practitioner member of the Buteyko Institute of Breathing & Health, on 0414 833 855