Posts by Hilary Stace
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Access: The Blue Inhaler, in reply to linger,
I think there was a fair bit of placebo effect, but anything that gives a sense of control and lowers the panic that comes with an imminent attack is surely worthwhile. Buteyko was similar to numerous breathing theories I have read or been exposed to over the years and even the use of a peak flow meter. Increased knowledge about the mechanisms of breathing and asthma, and knowing and measuring your own symptoms.
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Buteyko was popular in New Zealand a few years ago. I did a course which was quite intensive with hours of daily exercises over a couple of weeks. It was an interesting experience. The theories of overbreathing and consequent lack of sufficient carbon dioxide in the breath seemed plausible. The exercises aimed at extending the breath and breath holding were helpful in the short term and it did help with that psychological need for a handy inhaler described by some of the posters above, as it taught techniques to deal with an imminent attack by breath holding. You were encouraged to nose breathe at night by taping up your mouth which was scary but probably helped some with poor sleep (which is common with asthmatics). But I think the promise of getting rid of your inhaler and curing your asthma with Buteyko was overselling it. You had to commit to daily exercises for ever which was a bit unrealistic. But I would probably consider trying it again if offered locally as I would consider anything new which might help with breathing security.
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Access: The Blue Inhaler, in reply to linger,
Thank you
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Access: The Blue Inhaler, in reply to Ian Dalziel,
Sorry - I unethically pinched it from the internet without attribution.
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Vlad the Inhaler
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Access: The Blue Inhaler, in reply to FletcherB,
I wrote the basis of this post for a writing exercise a couple of years ago. It was about why I always keep an asthma inhaler nearby.
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I remember the fenoterol era and people who died during it. Scary. Thanks for reminding me of the work of Julian Crane (I think I was a participant in some of his research) and the threats he endured. I can use that example for some research ethics work I am doing.
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I listened to a crackly radio in heavy rain in a rental car. John's voice was very hard to hear at times as he is quite softly spoken which doesn't matter when you are watching TV and can turn it up (incidentally also a problem with Andrew Little). RNZ has weak, narrow frequencies around many parts of the country - so I hope he develops a clearer radio voice (like Mary Wilson has) to cut through the static.
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Hard News: Bowie, in reply to Bart Janssen,
I really enjoyed Matinee Idle that Bowie day. I thought they were respectful but not hagiographic and I learnt a lot. The Ngati Toa piece was very interesting.
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But do we need to change our mind-set or mindset to do that transformational journey?
I suspect the large number of jobs are the result of the latest restructuring whereby job titles and roles have been tossed up in the air to see what happens.
But wouldn't it be wonderful if the interview panels could include some of those on the front line desperately needing services?
