July 2026 Newsletter #3
BREATHE!!!
Hello, LWA Seekers of Greater Well-BEing!
You'll take over 20,000 breaths today. Automatically. That's actually the problem: "automatic" doesn't mean "optimal." Many things influence our breathing: stress, poor sleep, toxins, disease states (autoimmune diseases, asthma, allergies, infections, neurologic disorders), extra weight, suboptimal fitness. These factors can quietly distort how you breathe — and most people never notice. It’s not just the number of breaths we take each day. It’s HOW we breath. Are we chest breathers, using primarily our upper lungs, or are we diaphragmatic (belly) breathers, using the lower lungs where there is greater oxygen and carbon dioxide movement?
Why is this on my radar now? The CDC just released its 2025 U.S. Mortality Data delineating the number and causes of death last year. Chronic lung disease is still a top-5 killer, even with smoking rates way down. Flu and pneumonia deaths jumped from the 11th to the 8th leading cause of death in a single year. And cardiovascular disease — the #1 killer — is heavily shaped by lung function. Your breath is quietly driving your health, whether you're paying attention or not.
Does it make sense that you and I should prioritize and optimize our breathing? No argument here! I personally thought I was doing everything to maximize my lung function to live longer, and more importantly, live livelier. WRONG! In the last 6 months, I’ve learned and implemented many ways to improve my gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide). Some of the key strategies:
Numerous diverse breathing techniques including acute intermittent hypoxia (holding your breath in a controlled fashion to increase capillary and mitochondrial function), box breathing, 4/7/8 technique, double inhale/slow exhale, earth/fire breathing, and more.
Switch from chest breathing to belly (diaphragmatic) breathing.
Lower body inflammation with anti-inflammatory foods and supplements.
Increase VO2 Max with brief spirts of elevated physical activity.
Folks, this stuff works! I’ve instituted simple strategies that only take a few minutes a day. My lung function has improved. Not only can I handle the Texas heat, I perform at elevations of >10,000 feet in Colorado much easier with greater stamina. Plus, my sleep scores have improved. Best of all, some of the breathing techniques stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system reducing stress. BONUS: You can combine simple breathing techniques with meditation. They work beautifully together to reprogram our brain and nervous system for higher well-being. No medications needed!
We'll teach and drill all of this hands-on at Living WELL Aware at Cedarbrake, August 14-15. Two days, and you'll master how to do this — not just know about it. We won’t let you fail! We will also practice the techniques in the post conference follow up weekly webinars (LWA 2026 Webinar Series included in registration) beginning immediately after the conference. We can all breathe better. It's a life-changer.
REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON:
THANKS to those who have already registered!
Living WELL Aware at Cedarbrake Retreat Center
Belton TX, August 14-15, 2026
LINK TO INFORMATION and REGISTRATION
Registration INCLUDES the noon weekly webinar series
which begins immediately after the conference extending through December 2026.
A life-changing wellness immersion, plus a season of follow-through.
THANKS to Troy ISD, J E Dunn Construction, ESC 12 Waco, ESC 20 San Antonio, Baylor Scott & White Health, Austin Diocese Council of Catholic Women, the NAACP, Seguin ISD, Redeemed Christian Church of God, St Luke Prison Ministry, and every school district, church, and organization hosting Dr. Sulak in 2026. Thanks for partnering with Living WELL Aware to promote greater well-being. We appreciate you!
ONWARD, enjoying the journey!
Patsy and Jeff
Patricia J. Sulak, MD / Jeffrey A. Waxman, MD
sulak@livingwellaware.com
waxman@livingwellaware.com
