Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1836-06-21
EXERCISE OF THE LUNGS.

rom ComOe on l1eeltn dno Mental Educatlon
Judicious exercise Of the lungs is one Of
the most eficacious means which we can
employ for promoting their development
and warding off their diseases. In this res.
pect the organs ofrespiration closely resem.
BILE the muscles and all other organized
parts. They arc made to be used, and if
they are lett in habitual inactivity their
strength and health are unavoidably impair
ed; while, if their exercise be ill-timed or ex.
cessive, disease villas certainly follow.
The lungs may be exercised indirectly
by such kinds of bodily or muscular exer-
ton as require quicker and deeper breathing;
and directly by the employment of the.
voicein speaking, reading aloud, crying,
or singing. In general, both ought to be
conjoined. But where the chief object is
to improve the lungs, those kinds which
have tendency to expand the chest, and
call the organ ofrespiraton into play, ought
to be especially preferred. Rowinga boat,
fencing, quoits, shuttlecock, and the proper
use of dumb-bclls and gymnastics are Of
this description. All of them employ nc.
lively the muscles of the chest and trunk,
and excite the lungs themselves to freer and
fuller expansion. Climbing up hills, for
the same same reason, an exercise OF high
utility in giving tone and freedom to the
pulmonary functions.
Where, either from hereditary predisposi-
tion or accidental causes, the chest is unu.
sually weak, every effort should be made,
from infancy upwards, to favour the growth
and strength of the lungs by the habitual use
Of such of the above mentioned exercises as
can most easily be practised. The earlier
thcv are resorted to, and the more steadily
they are pursued, the more certainly will
their beneficial results be experienced. In
their employment, the principles complained
ofin the chapter on the muscles ought to'be
adhered to.
Habitual exercise in billy country, and
the frequent ascent of activities, especial
ly in pursuit Of an object, are wellknown
to have powerful effect in importing the
wind and strengthening the lungs, which is
Just another way of saying that they increase
the capacity ortbe chest, promote free circu-
lation through the pulmonary vessels, and
lead to tAe more complete oxygenation Of
the blood. Hence the vigorous appetite, the
increased muscular power, and cheerfulness
of mind so commonly felt BY the invalid on
his removal to the mountains are not to be
wondered at. Twas myself sensible Of ad-
vantage from this kind ofexercise during a
Highland excursion. The necessity offre-
ouent and deep inspirations, and the s!imu.
lus thus given 10 the general and pulmonary
circulation, had an obvious effect in increa-
sing the capacity Of the lungs, and the power
of bearing exetion without fatigue. Even
when was wearied, the fatigue went of
much sooner than aitcr walk OF equal
length on a level road, and it was unattend.
ed with the languor which generally ac.
companied the latter. In fact, the most
agreeable feeling which experiencedduring
the whole time was on resting after under.
going, in ascending hin, a degree OF exer-
ton sufficient to accelerate the breathing,
and bring out considerable degree Of per.
spiration. A lightness and activity ofmind
and freedom about the chest which never
felt to the same extent at any other time,
followed such excursions, and made the IA.
tigue comparatively light.
Before such practices, however, can be
resorted to with advantage, or even with
safety, there must be nothing in the shape
Of active disease existing. lfthere be, the
adoption OF such exercise will, in all proba-
bil!tv, occasion the most serious injury.
This also experienced in my own case, as,
for many months ut an earlier stage ofcon-
valesccnce, going up stair, ascending the
most gentle acclivity, or speaking aloud for
a few minutes, was equally fatiguing and
hurtfu, and often brought on cough, and
occasionally slight splitting of blood. AT
that time, riding on horseback, which excr-
cises the body without hurrying the breath
ing, was especially useful. The advantage
of these exercises in giving tone and capa-
city to the lungs, where debility rather than
disease is complained OF, is shown in their
being regularly resorted to in preparing for
the race.course and for the field. The true
sportsman puts himself in training as well
as his dog or his horse, and fits himself for
the moors by regular excursions previous
to the 18th Of August. BY so doing he
improves his wind and increases his nus.
cular strength to remarkable extent in
very snort time.
When no active pulmonary disease ex.
lists, these exercises may, with the best ef-
fects, be frequently carried SO far as 10 In
duce free perspiration; only great care ought
10 be taken Immediately after, to rub the
surface Of the body thoroughly dry, and to
change the dress. 1t is quite ascertained,