May 1, 2006
As the weather warms, the
air quality can decline. The "Ozone Season for many states
is May - September" What does that mean to me for today? "Tuesday, May 2 [2006]
- Wednesday, May 3 [2006]: In California's Central Valley, high
pressure will lead to light winds, allowing pollutant levels to
increase. In addition, plentiful sunshine and warm temperatures
will aid in ozone formation. As a result, AQI [Air Quality Index]
levels will be Moderate in many locations. AQI levels will increase
into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range in Bakersfield. In
the Midwest and South, an approaching low pressure system will result
in light to moderate southerly winds, transporting moisture and
pollutants into the region. In addition, sunny skies in the South
will enhance the formation of ozone. These conditions will lead
to widespread Moderate AQI levels. In the Southwest and South Central
U.S., warm temperatures, sun, and generally light winds will cause
ozone and particle levels to be in the Moderate AQI range." If you are not reading
this on May 2 or 3 in 2006, you can visit the following website
for "Current Air Quality Conditions Nationwide": If you haven't given much thought to the air you breathe, you are not alone, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to change that... "The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
(NOAA) National Weather Service urge Americans to 'Be Air Aware'
during Air Quality Awareness Week, May 15 - 19, 2006." If you have a health condition that affects your breathing, like asthma, you are more likely to pay attention to air quality than most. Days when the air quality is bad are more likely to affect the young, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions (like asthma). While those more directly affected may be acutely aware of the air quality on a given day, we all have to breathe. What can you do to improve the air where you live? "You can help reduce
pollution in your community by following these guidelines. These
recommendations are especially important when ozone is expected
to be unhealthy: Using the car less (and
more efficiently) is in the news recently to help people deal with
high gas prices. What may not be mentioned is that many of these
same practices can help improve the health of the community through
improved air quality -- and improve individual health with the extra "The positive consequences
of bicycling and walking as healthy modes of transportation, or
as purely recreational activities, span across many aspects of our
lives. They can be expressed in terms of the health of environment
(and resulting health of all living things), as well as the health
of individuals who are more physically active. ... Busy life? No time to exercise? What about making it part of your day? Why take the time to drive to the gym, when you can use that extra time and walk to school or work? "Walking is good for
your heart. A recent Harvard study shows that walking at a moderate
pace (3 mph) for up to 3 hours a week--or 30 minutes a day--can
cut the risk of heart disease in women by as much as 40%. This is
the same benefit you would get from aerobics, jogging, or other
vigorous exercise. The benefits to men are comparable. Along with
its benefits to the heart, walking: Too far to walk? Still no time? Why not try riding a bicycle? "Regular cycling can
help manage or prevent many disorders, including obesity, coronary
heart disease and arthritis. This low impact form of exercise is
a fuel-efficient way to get around, since it takes far less energy
to cover one kilometre by bicycle than on foot. Perhaps this explains
why the bicycle is such a popular form of transport throughout the
world, with an estimated one billion people using bicycles every
day. Riding to work or to the shops is one of the most time-efficient
ways to incorporate regular exercise into your everyday routine.
You get your 'daily dose' without having to spend extra time at
the gym." As when starting any new exercise routine, it is a good idea to check with your doctor -- especially if you have a health condition that should be taken into consideration when creating a plan that is right for you. "Exercise can be a
trigger for people when their asthma [is] not under good control.
People with asthma should not avoid exercising. As long as your
asthma is under control, exercising is recommended to keep your
lungs and body in good shape. Reminder! On days when air quality is questionable, it is important that high risk individuals are extra careful, especially with outdoor exercise. Questions of the Week:
Please email me with any ideas or suggestions. I look forward to reading what you have to say. Cindy |
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