If you take good care of your lungs, they can last a lifetime. "The lungs are very durable if they're not attacked from the outside," says Norman H. Edelman, M.D., chief medical officer of the American Lung Association (ALA). With a few exceptions, your lungs don't get into trouble unless you get them into trouble, he says.
However, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S. after heart disease, cancer and stroke. Here are 12 things you can do to keep your lungs healthy as you age.
Fight for clean air
Exercise more
Beware of outdoor air pollution
Improve indoor air
Eat right
Protect yourself on the job
Don't skimp on shots
Stick to safe products
Check for radon
Know the warning signs
Control your condition
www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/22/healthy-lungs
