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The fourth leading cause of death in the United States, COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, affects an estimated 35 million Americans. Yet only half are aware that they are seriously ill. Life and Breath, by Dr. Neil Schachter, is the first book that alerts people to their risks for COPD and explains the steps they need to take to prevent the development of this debilitating and often fatal lung disease.

Life and Breath begins witha quick quiz to rate your risk for COPD. It explains the steps of a complete pulmonary work-up and teaches you about the painless, inexpensive six-second test that can save your life.

We all know that diet, exercise, and environmental changes can reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. Now, for the first time, Life and Breath provides the medical and lifestyle steps that can prevent, treat, and sometimes reverse the signs and symptoms of chronic lung disease. Dr. Schachter discusses the role of antioxidants in treating asthma and chronic bronchitis, explains why indoor exercise is better if you have irritable airways, and provides a supportive, simple, and successful plan to quit smoking.

Life and Breath takes you on a tour of your own home, pointing out sources of irritants and allergens that can cause pulmonary problems. Dr. Schachter explains how to improve indoor air quality to protect your lungs at any age, on the job, in your home, and on the road.

If you are one of the 15 million Americans with asthma, or one of the 94 million current or former smokers in this country, Life and Breath is the one book you need to stay alive and well.

NEIL SCHACHTER, M.D., is a chaired Professor of Pulmonary and Community Medicine, Medical Director of the Respiratory Care Department, and Associate Director of the Pulmonary Division of the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Author of five books and more than four hundred articles on pulmonary disease, Dr. Schachter is past president of the American Lung Association of Medical Directors of Respiratory Care. He graduated from Columbia College and earned a medical degree at New York University Medical School. At Yale, he was appointed Director of Respiratory Therapy at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he published his landmark research on the role of vitamin C in treating asthma.

Dr. Schachter is donating 25 percent of all earnings from this book to the American Lung Association of the City of New York in support of its educational and research programs.