By Sharon Fabian

If you like to play baseball, or dance, or swim, or just keep active, you will want to keep your respiratory system in top shape. Being able to breathe in lots of oxygen makes it easier to do any activity, and what you need in order to breathe in big breaths of oxygen is a strong and healthy respiratory system.

The two things that are really good for your lungs and the rest of your respiratory system are exercise and not putting anything into your lungs that is bad for them.

Aerobic exercises make your lungs strong and make you breathe in more oxygen. In fact the word aerobic has to do with your muscles using oxygen. Of course, you don't have to set a timer and do 1/2 hour of jumping jacks or other aerobic exercises every day. Any activities that get you moving are good. Just getting outside is a good start. People seem to think of more active things to do once they are out in the sunshine, and away from the TV.

Some things are just not good for your lungs. These include things that you are allergic to, pollution, and cigarette smoke.

Many people are allergic to something. If you are allergic to cats, or dust, or pollen, you probably try to stay away from those things as much as possible.

Air pollution is hard on your lungs too. When there is air pollution in the area where you live, you can't just stay away from it like you can stay away from a cat or a dog. That's why groups of people are working to reduce pollution from cars, factories, and other sources.

Sample

This is only a sample pre-made worksheet.