Problem: Article: . The act of breathing supplies oxygen to your entire body. Breathing deeply uses the entire capacity of your lungs to oxygenate blood. Though normal breathing levels aren't unhealthy, deep breathing reaches the peak level of oxygen flowing through your body. Pay special attention to your diaphragm while slowly inhaling and exhaling full deep breaths. Feel your diaphragm lowering while you inhale and exhale fully until you feel your stomach muscles tighten and your diaphragm lift. Like deep breathing, laughing forces more air out of your lungs, which leads to a greater inhalation of fresh air and a higher supply of oxygenated blood. Laughing also works abdominal muscles and increases lung capacity. Aerobic exercise doesn't necessarily make your lungs stronger on its own. However, great cardio-respiratory fitness makes it easier for your lungs to supply your heart and muscles with oxygen. This puts less strain on your lungs, allowing them to function properly with less work. The American Heart Association recommends at least thirty minutes of moderate-intensity cardio exercise five days a week or more in order to maintain good cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that diets rich in fresh fruit and fish are associated with benefits to lung health. This is especially the case with those who experience asthma, COPD, and other common lung diseases. A 2010 study also showed that a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy) can decrease the risk of lung cancer. The hairs in your nose act as a filter and only let extremely fine particles through. Your nose can filter particles as small as a single grain of pollen with 100 percent efficiency. This makes breathing through your nose a much better option than breathing through your mouth. Sickness, allergies, and other conditions can all lead to common nasal congestion. A plugged nose means you're pulling 100 percent of germs and pollution directly into your lungs by breathing through your mouth. This can exacerbate conditions such as asthma and other lung complications or even cause them in those who don't already suffer from them. Treat common allergies with antihistamines or other decongestants to help keep your nose clear. Additionally, overly dry nasal passages that can accompany sickness make nose hairs less effective at filtering air. Consider using a humidifier or even an over-the-counter nasal mist to keep your nasal passage moist and properly filtering the air you breathe. In addition to its myriad other positive effects, drinking plenty of water is good for your lungs. You lungs have a mucosal lining, and staying hydrated keep the lining thin, which helps your lungs function more efficiently. If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, ensure you see your doctor for regular exams to help control the condition. Albuterol, a prescription bronchodilator, works well to help with asthma symptoms, for instance. Yearly flu vaccines and pneumococcal vaccinations can help lower the risk of respiratory infections. This also means less risk of developing associated lung complications such as pneumonia. Smokers between the ages of 19 and 65 should get a pneumococcus vaccination. Also, anyone with chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, alcoholism, chronic liver disease, or who is over the age of 65 should get the pneumococcus vaccination.
Summary: Breathe deeply more often Laugh more. Get regular cardio. Make dietary changes. Breathe through your nose. Keep your nose clear. Stay hydrated. Take medication if you have a lung condition. Stay current on your vaccinations.

Problem: Article: Even meaningless items may have sentimental value to a hoarder. Respect your parent's freedom to do whatever they like with their stuff, whether or not you agree, and don't throw anything out until they give you permission. Even if you live with your parents, you should still respect their possessions. Have them sit down with you and create a list of things you can start getting rid of. Making a contract with your parent can also be helpful. For example, you may promise that they can keep 1 item out of every 10 items. This may help them to be more conscientious about the value of their belongings. Sometimes it may even be helpful for the parent to go away for a few days while the house is being cleaned. Offer to send them on a short vacation or to put them up in a hotel for a few days if you are able. Don't try to tackle a hoarder's house alone. Get other family members or friends to help you, if possible. If you live in the home, reach out to adult family members and encourage them to talk to your parents. You might say, "Aunt Pam, I'm really worried about Mom and Dad's hoarding. There's hardly any room to move around in our house. Can you talk to them and maybe help us clear out some of the clutter?" A professional cleaning service is another option, although these can be expensive. Costs will vary based on where you live, how much space you need cleaned (i.e. square footage) and the severity of the clutter. You will probably have to throw out more stuff than you expect. Arrange to have a dumpster dropped off as close to the house as possible. When your parent gives you permission to throw something out, take it to the dumpster right away so they can't change their mind. Keep in mind that electronics and hazardous materials usually can't go in dumpsters. Renting a dumpster can range from about $100 to $800, depending on how large a container you need and how long you need it. If you can't afford to hire a dumpster service, ask friends and family if they have trucks or trailers to help you haul items to a nearby dump or recycling plant. Before you start cleaning, make a plan. Work on clearing one area before you move on to another. You'll be able to see your progress more easily that way. It might be best to start in areas with the least clutter and then build up to more congested areas. Divide items into three categories things to keep, things to donate, and things to throw away. Take trash to the dumpster immediately. Have bins or bags ready for items to be donated. Don't let your parent deliberate too long over what to do with things, or they might change their mind about getting rid of them. You might give a time limit of about five minutes for them to deliberate on an item. Thinking on it too long will only allow them to come up with more reasons to keep things. Short cleaning sessions won't make much of a dent in your parent's clutter. Plan to clean all day, or at least for several hours, so you'll actually make some progress. Your parent will probably clutter their living area again when you leave, so short cleaning sessions may not do any good in the long run.
Summary:
Get your parent's permission before you get rid of anything. Enlist other family members' help. Use a dumpster service. Tackle one room at a time. Sort items as you go. Get as much done in one session as you can.