[Harp-L] MD harpin`

["Richard Smith" <richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Guys,

Hadn`t realised there was a specific MD thing going on for pulmonary issues.

I have been playing harp in all styles since I was a lad. I recently had 
surgery for a secondary tumour and subsequently had half my right lung 
removed. First question to the surgeon was "will I still be able to play?" 
as it is top of my list of important things in my life (after still being 
alive of course..!!). His reply was affirmative. So, from surgery on the 
14th Oct to now I have been pounding the beat with long walks to build up 
the lung capacity. Last night I had the chance to have a blow in a 
fundraiser gig for breast cancer. There were a couple of moments when I ran 
out of air but overall all seemed to be working well. I have noted that 
there will be a few strategies I will have to think of so I don`t get caught 
out in the future. Needless to say though, I was happy to know there is 
still a musical future..!! If there is a forum that needs an input count me 
in.

Best
Richard Smith (the English one)
www.harmonix-harmonica.co.uk



>   3. The Forkord Turnaround VS harmonicaMD chord harmonica (J Schaman)

> Message: 3
> Date: Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:53:23 -0400
> From: J Schaman <jschaman@xxxxxxx>
> Subject: [Harp-L] The Forkord Turnaround VS harmonicaMD chord
> harmonica
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Message-ID: <CACB8E68.27ED3%jschaman@xxxxxxx>
>
> For those interested, I can address the ³why" and ³how" my harmonica came 
> to
> be. Working in the field of rehabilitation medicine for over 35 years, I 
> was
> aware that there was not a specific, dedicated device or method known to
> improve or enhance pulmonary function. Furthermore, scientific evidence
> showed lung function decline with ageing was excessive (data revealed that
> it is a statistical norm in our population to lose 50% of lung function
> between the ages of 30 and 70).  With a suggestion that harmonica playing
> improved lung function and possibly even longevity, I embarked on a study 
> to
> prove or disprove this hypothesis.  The Harmonica Exercise for Lung 
> Program
> (H.E.L.P.) commenced in November 2007, primarily as a ³dose­response" 
> study.
> More details are available on the website: ( 
> http://www.harmonicaMD.com/ ).