Breath Taking

The Power, Fragility, and Future of Our Extraordinary Lungs

De: Michael J. Stephen MD

Narrado por: Tom Parks

From an expert in pulmonary medicine, the story of our extraordinary lungs, the organ that both explains our origins and holds the keys to our future as a species

We take an average of 7.5 million breaths a year and some 600 million in our lifetime, and what goes on in our body each time oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide expelled is nothing short of miraculous. “Our lungs are the lynchpin between our bodies and the outside world,” writes Dr. Michael Stephen. And yet, we take our lungs for granted until we’re incapacitated and suddenly confronted with their vital importance.

In Breath Taking, pulmonologist Michael Stephen takes us on a journey to shed original and much-needed light on our neglected and extraordinary lungs, at a most critical societal moment. He relates the history of oxygen on Earth and the evolutionary origins of breathing, and explores the healing power of breath and its spiritual potential. He explains in lay terms the links our lungs have with our immune system and with society at large. And he offers illuminating chronicles of pulmonary research and discovery - from Galen in the ancient world to pioneers of lung transplant - and poignant human stories of resilience and recovery - from the frantic attempts to engage his own son’s lungs at birth to patients he treats for cystic fibrosis today.

Despite great advances in science, our lungs are ever more threatened. Asthma is more prevalent than ever; rising stress levels make our lungs vulnerable to disease; and COVID-19 has revealed that vulnerability in historic ways. In this time, Breath Taking offers inspiration and hope to millions whose lungs are affected and vital perspective to us all.

©2021 Michael J. Stephen. (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Tom Parks provides superb narration.” (Library Journal)

“Brains and hearts preoccupy science writers, so this rare exploration of lungs fills a need. Pulmonologist Stephen cannot conceal his enthusiasm for his favorite organ as he mixes evolution, medical history, autobiography, and vivid stories of patients with a skillful account of how lungs operate and how we might take better care of them.... Valuable popular science.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“[Stephen’s] educational and passionate book successfully unites the true importance of our lungs and advances in medical science.... Best of all are Stephen’s stories of courageous patients, including a girl with cystic fibrosis who receives a successful lung transplant, which just might take your breath away” (Booklist)

Highly informative

Fascinating information for everyone who has lungs. Highly recommend this thought provoking book. Many surprising facts.

Great & informative book

For those who are not lung specialists, this book is fabulous. The author covers lung function, physiology,gas exchange, and reviews several lung diseases, treatments and medical developments. Thumbs up.

Great story

This book keeps you listening simply because it is an amazing narrative, beautiful success story and informs you as never before about our amazing lungs. Thanks for writing this Dr. Parks and for the wonderful narration Tom Parks.

Great history of the lungs and lung disease

Excellent tour of the history of our understanding of the lungs and the major health issues that affect the lungs. Only real detractor is that the narrator does not know how to pronounce any scientific or medical words, which was a little distracting.

Enjoyed this informative book

As a retired respiratory, I found this book very interesting and enjoyable. Although much of the medical information wasn't new, most of the historical information about the discoveries the pulmonary diseases and treatments was.