Most everyone knows smoking is bad news, but secondhand smoke gets less hype although it causes just as sobering health problems for non-smokers, especially for young people. Yet every day, millions of children inhale smoker's air.

Studies suggest that exposing fetuses, infants, and small children to smoke, whether indoors or outside, can cause damaging, life-long effects. Because their developing bodies and higher breathing rates make them more vulnerable to smoke, exposed children suffer more cases of asthma, respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia, and lung cancer.

A new study has found that those with high blood levels of beta-carotene may have better lung function as they age. As the health of the lungs begins to decline in the late 20s, this is yet another reason to eat more carrots, spinach, and broccoli.

The study also brought good news for smokers. Researchers found that beta-carotene and vitamin E might also offer some protection to the lungs of heavy smokers. But scientists emphasize that this does not mean a spinach salad a day can prevent lung cancer.