This is not the way to treat the temple…
According to the American Lung Association: Over 3.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with emphysema, of which 91% were 45 years of age or older. Emphysema rarely occurs in those under 45.
I’m not even 40 yet! *shakes fist at sky*
The good news is that I’m still in the very early stages. Continuing to not smoke (does it count that I smoked a bit the last month at the old job? I think it does…) and exercising more will help keep it at bay. I can never restore the parts of my lungs that have already given in, but I can keep it from getting worse.
The lesson in all of this? People who grew up as asthmatic children with chronic bronchitis should not smoke. Hell, no one should smoke. Quitting smoking was the hardest, and best, thing I ever did for myself. I don’t miss it too much, only when stress levels are through the roof (thanks NVM!)
I’m so much more aware of my body as a result of the diagnosis. I’m more prone to take the stairs than the elevator now, more apt to park further out. Any exercise is good exercise!
Speaking of which… maybe I’ll go work out now…