By Claire Diab and Dennis Boyle
Firefighters have an increased risk of contracting a respiratory infection from the irritants common on the job. One respiratory infection firefighters often get is bronchitis. Symptoms of bronchitis include inflammation and mucus buildup in the bronchiole tubes, which cause a severe cough. Bronchitis can be triggered by the inhalation of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, asbestos, and dust. Dr. Peter Wagner, former president of the American Thoracic Society, said that firefighters exposed to even a minimal amount of smoke during a fire are at risk of health effects ranging “from mild bronchitis to fatal lung inflammation.”
It is beneficial to practice yoga after smoke exposure and inhalation. Yoga allows the lungs to feel strong, refreshed, and revitalized. The Cross-Legged Spinal Twist is an excellent yoga pose for the lungs. Doing yoga gives the lungs the opportunity to ventilate and, in turn, the lungs will be less likely to become infected.
Cross-Legged Spinal Twist Instructions:
In a comfortable cross-legged seated position, twist your upper body to the right. Hold on to the right knee with the left hand and bring the right hand behind you near the tailbone, turning your head to the right. Press your shoulders and sit bones down, lifting your chest and breathing deeply. Gently unwind and rotate to the opposite side.
Benefits:
- Brings fresh oxygen to the musculoskeletal system.
- Increases circulation.
- Improves breathing.
- Opens the chest.
Contraindications:
- Do not perform the crossed-leg spinal twist position if you have spinal injuries.
Claire Diab是国际公认的瑜伽治疗师。她是Deepak Chopra博士和David Simon博士创立的Chopra中心瑜伽计划的主任。她是塞顿·霍尔大学（Seton Hall University）的亚洲研究兼职教授。她是几本关于瑜伽的书籍和DVD的作者，其中包括“消防员的瑜伽”。
Dennis Boyleis a retired fire director and acting chief with the West Orange (NJ) Fire Department. He was the recipient of the 1999 New Jersey Deputy Fire Chiefs “Fire Officer of the Year” award.
