Power Assist

Creature comforts in cars started with electric starters, you know, replacing the original cranks near the front bumper? Soon after, heaters were provided for colder climates. Eventually we graduated to power steering, power brakes, and a host of other powered features.

I remember when power steering was power ‘assisted.’ It was not the full power steering we know today; no, there was some kind of pump that helped turn the steering mechanism dependent on the driver's own pressure on the steering wheel. It was a nice feature then. It could be again to replace the power steering systems that make the car feel like a light toy. One wonders about the feel of the road?

Well, there are other things in lives today that are power assisted. One that is a blessing for me is the CPAP unit that pushes air into my lungs during the night, and also helps exhale, too. I grew up with lung problems that made breathing a chore. At times breathing was nearly impossible, but then meds eased those crisis points.

Later, the CPAP machine was infused with oxygen, at first with tanks, now with a concentrator contraption that roars throughout the night. Luckily the machine runs in the next room and the tubing to my bedside is silent! Breathing these days is truly power assisted. It is a stark contrast with the days when it was not.

As I grew into adulthood lung problems eased. I also took up singing, quite a lot of it. Not professionally, but in church and community choirs and choruses. Singing developed my lungs, especially to the lower reaches where deep breathing occurs. Along the way singing became a joyous part of life. Good thing! It most likely added years to my life.

With COVID singing was pretty much shut down except at home, in the shower or in the car. No choral concerts, no live singing in church, not much singing at all. Along with that came breathing difficulties. It is now once again a chore. Easily tired. Exertion results in breathlessness. Nighttime is a blessing with power assisted breathing.

Wonder if such a thing exists that is portable for moving about?

Now, if we could get power assisted eating!

August 24, 2022

 

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