What Mortality Statistics Teach Us
According to statistics of the United States census, the annual death rate from all causes is one million. Of this number, four hundred thousand died from diseases of the lungs. The figures demonstrate that two persons, at least out of every five, come to their death prematurely—and from a preventable cause.
Another aspect of the truth is gaining wider recognition day by day throughout the civilized world. This has to do with the appreciation of fresh air as a fundamental of health. There has been a remarkable awakening to this effect within a generation. Today, the preferred treatment of consumptives demands that they shall live out of doors if possible; the windows in the hospitals are seldom closed; sleeping porches are built wherever space permits.
It is unfortunately true, however, that there has been little advancement in general knowledge as to the science, the art, and practice of correct breathing. Yet, I have been surprised and gratified by the eager attention of those friends to whom I have made explanations and given exhibitions during the last few years. Without an exception, these friends have manifested a keen desire to learn the secrets of breath-control and to win for themselves the benefits thus conferred.
In order to broaden my knowledge and to render it exact, I have made serious studies and experiments through a term of years. I am convinced that if, instead of gymnasiums, institutions were established for training in the development of breath-control, the grim death-toll of one million for one year in our country would dwindle amazingly.