Bibliograph

Breath taking, the power, fragility, and future of our extraordinary lungs, Michael J. Stephen, MD

Type

Label

Breath taking, the power, fragility, and future of our extraordinary lungs, Michael J. Stephen, MD

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 273-293) and index

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Breath taking

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

1231556014

Responsibility statement

Michael J. Stephen, MD

Sub title

the power, fragility, and future of our extraordinary lungs

Summary

Pulmonologist Michael J. Stephen sheds light on our neglected and extraordinary lungs. He relates the history of oxygen on Earth and the evolutionary origins of breathing, and explores the healing power of breath and its spiritual potential. He explains the links our lungs have with our immune system and with society at large; offers chronicles of pulmonary research and discovery and human stories of resilience and recovery"We take an average of 7.5 million breaths a year and some 600 million in our lifetime, and what goes on in our body each time oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide expelled is nothing short of miraculous. "Our lungs are the lynchpin between our bodies and the outside world," writes Dr. Michael J. Stephen. And yet, we take our lungs for granted until we're incapacitated and suddenly confronted with their vital importance. In Breath Taking, pulmonologist Michael J. Stephen takes us on a journey to shed original and much-needed light on our neglected and extraordinary lungs, at a most critical societal moment. He relates the history of oxygen on Earth and the evolutionary origins of breathing, and explores the healing power of breath and its spiritual potential. He explains in lay terms the links our lungs have with our immune system and with society at large. And he offers illuminating chronicles of pulmonary research and discovery-from Galen in the ancient world to pioneers of lung transplant-and poignant human stories of resilience and recovery-from the frantic attempts to engage his own son's lungs at birth to patients he treats for cystic fibrosis today. Despite great advances in science, our lungs are ever more threatened. Asthma is more prevalent than ever; rising stress levels make our lungs vulnerable to disease; and COVID-19 has revealed that vulnerability in historic ways. In this time, Breath Taking offers inspiration and hope to millions whose lungs are affected and vital perspective to us all"--, Provided by publisher

Classification