Vim & Vigor - Fall 2012 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 6)

Cardiopulmonary ConneCtion By Biju Mathews, M.D., interventional CarDiologist, anD terri Brewis, PMC resPiratory Manager What you should know about the health of your heart and lungs Cardiopulmonary diseases account for three of the top four causes of death, and more than onethird of all deaths, in the U.S. each year. Much attention is given to the leading cause among men and women: heart disease. (Cancer is No. 2.) Can you name No. 3? COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is the third leading cause of death. In fact, COPD is a leading cause of death and illness worldwide. The disease includes emphysema and chronic asthmatic bronchitis. carbon dioxide, the byproduct of the work done by your body’s cells. So when your heart or lungs are diseased, your body has to work harder. exerCise does Wonders What can you do to manage your COPD? Surprisingly, you can help yourself by exercising. That might seem counterintuitive, but it’s true. Physical activity that is rhythmic and repetitive and challenges the cardiac and pulmonary systems helps increase blood flow to the muscles for an extended time. That promotes cardiopulmonary fitness. Aerobic exercise: • Produces energy and uses oxygen as you move your arms and legs • Increases your breathing, heart rate and endurance • Increases your fitness level and capacity for exercise • Helps prevent cardiovascular disease, control Better together Cardio refers to the heart, and pulmonary refers to the lungs. Your heart and lungs work together and are dependent on each other to keep you alive and well. When you breathe in, you inhale oxygen. Blood from the heart circulates throughout your body and picks up the oxygen—the fuel that makes your body cells work— from your lungs. Then when you breathe out, you exhale 6 Vim & Vigor • FALL 2 012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2012 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2012 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Cardiopulmonary Connection
PMC Nurses Honored During National Nurses Week
30 Days to Better Sleep
I Can’t Ask My Doctor That!
He Said, She Said
Hold On to Your Health
STILL A SCREENING STAR
Your Joints: An Owner’s Manual
Weighing Your Options
No Greater Gift
Weather Alert
Virtual Health
Inherent Beauty
Ask and You Shall Receive
Community Health
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2012 - Parrish Medical Center