Breathe Easy

Take steps toward making every breath count:

• Don’t smoke. Cancer is the second leading cause of death, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. The benefits of quitting quickly pile up.

• Eat well. Foods that are rich in vitamin D, vitamin A, magnesium, and antioxidants as well as low in sugar, fat, and salt will help support your lungs.

• Breathe clean air. Keep pollution out of your home with these tips from the American Lung Association: Don’t allow anyone to smoke inside your house; keep rain, groundwater, and humid air outside (dehumidifiers and air conditioners can help); get a radon detector; make sure anything that burns gas is vented outdoors.

• Increase your lung capacity. Highly trained athletes, wind musicians (saxophone, flute, etc.), and singers often boast the highest lung capacities. But you can increase your lung power through cardio exercises such as running, jogging, cycling, dancing, and skating or by practicing deep breathing.