The University of Michigan Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in Ann Arbor is helping patients get their breath back to the tune of "Amazing Grace" and "You Are My Sunshine."
The hospital runs a weekly harmonica class for patients with lung conditions and breathing difficulties, and it is one of many popping up at hospitals around the country to help patients relearn how to breathe deeply and gain strength, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.
Why harmonica? Because it requires both inhaling and exhaling to play a tune, in a pattern similar to pulmonary rehab exercises, according to the report.
Though there is no scientific evidence yet that harmonica has benefits for patients with lung conditions, many believe it helps exercise the diaphragm, decreases anxiety, relieves shortness of breath and clears phlegm, according to the report.
It also as a social aspect — members of the group go to lunch together, celebrate each other's birthdays, check in on one another, and have even played at about five former members' funerals, according to the report.
Read the full story here.
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