Genesis 2:7 And the LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. [King James translation]
John 20:21-22 HE spoke to them again and said, “As the FATHER has sent me, even so I am sending you,” Then HE breathed on them and told them, “Receive the HOLY SPIRIT.”
[Living Bible]
Summary
The book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, is about origins and beginnings. The very first words, in the first verse, in the first chapter, in Genesis are: “In the beginning GOD….” The book of Genesis describes the origin of light, darkness, day, night, the heavens, the earth, land, vegetation, the moon and the stars. The book of Genesis also describes the creation of birds, fish, animals and humanity.
The creation of humanity makes it very clear that human life came from “the breath” of GOD. Life came from LIFE. Humanity’s origin in an external world came from breath. Just as a baby in the belly of its mother womb is dependent on its mother for everything, we too are dependent on GOD for everything.
The Genesis story also reveals that humanity, once created, just like a newborn baby, started to take breathing for granted, forgetting about its origins and total dependence on GOD.
When humanity began “new life in CHRIST,” through HIS death and HIS resurrection, that life again began with “breath.” John 20:21-22 states that “HE [JESUS] breathed on them” and they received the HOLY SPIRIT.
GOD’s breath is essential for life and for living----something we should never forget!
AIR QUALITY & BREATHING & EXERCISE
Many cities are experiencing poor air quality. Sometimes the problems are due to air pollution caused by traffic, wind-blown dust, burning wood, smoke, construction, agricultural operations, power plants or other activities. Because of the frequency of “bad air days,” many cities and towns have developed systems of air pollution alerts.
Many local newspapers and local television and radio stations will often provide assessments of the air quality in an area. There are also national, state and local websites that provide useful information on the air quality and various medical alerts for “at risk” populations (e.g. children, seniors, those with respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), babies and others).
One national website published by the Environmental Protection Agency is AirNow. See, https://airnow.gov/. This site allows you to put in your zip code or your city and receive useful information about the air quality in your area: See an example of a region below:
|
Air Quality Index Levels of Health Concern |
Numerical |
Meaning |
|
Good |
0 to 50 |
Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. |
|
Moderate |
51 to 100 |
Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. |
|
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
101 to 150 |
Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. |
|
Unhealthy |
151 to 200 |
Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. |
|
Very Unhealthy |
201 to 300 |
Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects. |
|
Hazardous |
301 to 500 |
Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected. |
Note: Values above 500 are considered Beyond the AQI. Follow recommendations for the "Hazardous category." Additional information on reducing exposure to extremely high levels of particle pollution is available here.
According to one expert on www.mayoclinic.org, even when you are not exercising, air pollution may cause health problems. Some of the problems may include:
- Headaches
- Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
- Damage to airways of the lungs
- Increased risk of asthma development
- Worsening of existing asthma or other lung conditions
- Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Increased risk of death from lung cancer and cardiovascular disease
This expert suggests that there may be an increased risk of health problems during aerobic activity because you inhale more air and breathe more deeply into your lungs and through your mouth, bypassing the nasal passages, which can sometimes filter out some airborne pollution particles.
Nevertheless, this expert suggests that, because exercise has clear health benefits unless your doctor instructs you to stop, it is best “not to give up on exercise entirely.”
Research has shown that the long-term benefits of regular exercise outweigh the risks associated with exposure to air pollution.
To stay as healthy as possible while you exercise, focus on ways to minimize your exposure to air pollution. You can limit the effects of air pollution when you exercise in many ways, including:
* Monitoring air pollution levels. Check air pollution websites
* Timing your workouts carefully. Avoid outdoor physical activity or reduce the intensity and duration of your outdoor exercise when there is an air
alert.
* Avoid high-pollution areas. Some areas may have higher levels of pollution than other areas
* Exercise Indoors. Vary your routine with indoor activities, especially on poor air quality days. For example, take a fitness class, run laps on an
indoor track or use equipment in a local gym.
See, “Does air pollution make outdoor exercise risky? What if you have asthma or another health problem?” An Answer From Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/air-pollution-and-exercise/faq-20058563.
If you have asthma, diabetes, or other medical conditions or you have health concerns about you or your children always consult your doctor about what is best for you or your family.
REMEMBERING OUR ORIGINS
“Bad Air” days, climate change, smoke, fires, and the state of our physical world can often be overwhelming. Some days it may be “hard to breathe” or “take it all in.” Catastrophes like mass shootings, poverty, homelessness, border wars, addiction, human suffering seem endless.
But to live we must breathe. And to breathe, it helps to remember our “origins.” It helps to stay connected to GOD and to remember that GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL. HE was in control in the beginning; and HE will be in control in the end. In HIM, we live, breathe and have our being. Acts 17:27-28 states:
HE created all the people of the world from one man, Adam, and scattered the nations
across the face of the earth…HE determined their boundaries. HIS purpose in all of this is that they should seek after GOD, and perhaps feel their way toward HIM and find HIM-though HE is not far from any one of us. For in HIM we live and move and are!
[Living Bible translation]
So, continue to move and exercise. Ask THE SPIRIT to guide all of us. Have faith in GOD on “good air” days and “bad air” days; during good times and sad times.
Breathe, believe GOD and BE BLESSED!
