Going on Safari

An early-morning knock at the door. It was 5:30 a.m., time to meet the guide for the day's safari. Would I finally see a zebra today? For four days, I climbed into a diesel-fueled Land Rover with open sides, explored a game reserve for three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening, and saw almost everything I came to see: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, cape buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, antelope, birds — but something was missing: zebras. And I very much wanted to see one before the trip was over…  full article (pdf)

The Nose Knows: How Service Dogs Learn the Needs of Their Human and How to Apply for One

Dogs are known for their noses. Their exceptional sense of smell comes in handy to humans for a variety of reasons, and service dogs in particular have been formally assisting humans since Guide Dogs for the Blind was established in the early 1900s. Today, there are more than 130 accredited assistance dog organizations through Assistance Dogs International, Inc., and these dogs help their humans to better live independently through physical, auditory, visual and biomedical support…  full article (pdf)

PI and Respiratory Issues

Primary immune deficiencies (PIs) are hereditary conditions that affect the immune system's ability to function, leading to an increased risk of infections and autoimmune diseases. Some of the most common and severe manifestations of PIs are respiratory symptoms. Chronic respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, often result in chronic lung diseases like bronchiectasis, chronic atelectasis and pulmonary fibrosis. These chronic lung diseases can significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in a person with PI… full article (pdf)

Best Exercises for Those with Lung Disease

It's no secret that exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy life. But if you live with a chronic lung disease, you may wonder if that applies to you anymore. Can you exercise? Should you exercise? You already deal with shortness of breath; won't exercise make it worse?… full article (pdf)