"I try to reassure everyone who has been affected by this disease that CF isn't the end of the world if you don't want it to be."
The experience of living with cystic fibrosis is markedly different today than it was decades ago. Thanks to the discovery of the CF gene, the availability of effective drug therapies and advances in technology, the 30,000 Americans who deal with the disease day in and day out are living longer and fuller lives. In a word, they are thriving.

Wind Sprint 17: Using the PowerLung Device

Episode 17 of the CF Wind Sprint series demonstrates how to use the PowerLung, an easy-to-use device that can help increase lung capacity and strengthen the breathing muscles.

Using the PowerLung is similar to "weight training" for breathing muscles. PowerLungs have two control dials, one designed to trian inhale breathing, and the other designed to train exhale breathing. Both dials are adjustible to set a level (threshold) of resistance, similar to adding resistance with weights for strength training. In addition to strengthening the breathing muscles, the PowerLung can help people with cystic fibrosis clear their lungs of mucus.

This CF Wind Sprint is made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation.

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