From time to time throughout the summer, you may hear of a poor air quality alert in your area. While you may be tempted to ignore it, this would be a mistake. Doing so can take a toll on your health.
Poor air quality has the potential to:
• Irritate your throat, nose, and eyes
• Aggravate respiratory conditions, such as allergies and asthma
• Cause shortness of breath (especially when you’re active)
Some people are more prone to trouble during a poor air quality day than others. These groups include:
• Children
• Senior citizens
• Anyone who is active
• Pregnant women
• Anyone with a preexisting respiratory condition
Even if you don’t belong to one of these groups, you must still consider the potential impact on your health. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself:
• Don’t partake in intense physical activity, such as running several miles or mowing the lawn
• Spend as much time indoors as possible
• Take plenty of breaks if you’re spending a long period of time outdoors
So, the next time you’re made aware of a poor air quality alert in your area, consider the steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. There’s never a good time to take a risk with your health.
Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.