You, The Owner's Manual

If you have any interest in how your body generally operates, pick up a copy of "You, The Owner's Manual". Comprehensive and fun to read. Got mine yesterday for 30% off at Borders. The big moment for me was on page one of the chapter on Lungs (emphasis is mine):

"In fact, when it comes to your airways, the small things post the greatest threat...When you take bacteria, viruses, and other particles into your lungs, your system is able to stop the larger particles, because they get trapped by the lung's natural defenses. They beat the particles out of your windpipes with little brushes called cilia and force them out of your body through coughing, sneezing, and blowing your nose. But even smaller particles - particles we can't actually see - can slip through the defense system much like a great running back breaks tackles. Undetected, these particles actually cause an inflammatory reaction that destroys part of your lung tissue - and puts you at greater risk for various lung disorders."

No shit. That seems a very simple explanation of exactly what happened to me and, from some of the forums I read, in various forms to lots of other people too. The difference for me is that when I read those forums everyone is on some medication or another (or more commonly on 3 or 4). Steroids. Bronchodialotors. And they're not getting better. I, on the other hand, am only on good nutrition, supplements, Buteyko exercises and regular doses of Pilates and seem to be making all kinds of progress. Admittedly, it feels achingly slow at times, but when I read forum posts from people suffering similar symptoms, but going months with no improvement, I suddenly don't feel so bad. Looking back, I've made quite a bit of progress. Spent the weekend talking to my son. Yes, I could tell it was taxing, but 2 months ago I couldn't have spent an hour talking to him, much less 3 days. I'm not saying that my course is right for everybody, I'm sure there are people who are helped by the meds, but I'm saying if results are the measure, my way seems a valid alternative more people should at least consider.

We'll see how much progress I can make in the next 6 weeks. I'm going to be taking a comprehensive pilates certification course which will require me to be working out as much as I'm able. Incentive!!