Community Update (7/15/2023)

Wellness

What We Need to Know About….. “Where There is Smoke”

We have all seen over the past few weeks the hazy, sometimes dense smoke that clouds our view of our perfect blue sky Arlington summer. Why is this happening, and what do we need to know about it to protect ourselves?

Currently, this smoke is coming from over 480 wildfires blazing up in Canada; for us on the East Coast, and those in the Midwest, the fires are in Ontario and Quebec provinces. And this smoke has been found across the Atlantic Ocean, over parts of Portugal, Spain and France. So far, over 31,000 square miles of forest has been consumed in flames. The smoke from the fires varies, with what is being burned, and recent research can now pinpoint from the analysis of the smoke, the exact source of the smoke and how toxic it may be. Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and plants, buildings and other material. And, as summer progresses, there will be additional wildfires across the United States, and in Mexico.  Our borders dissolve when it comes to smoke, with an unlucky wind!

The smoke is irritating to our eyes, lungs, skin, and can cause debilitating problems especially in people who have existing pulmonary and heart conditions. The smoke may exacerbate symptoms such as asthma attacks, chest pain, fast heartbeat, cough and trouble breathing. To cope with this, we are advised to stay indoors, use air conditioning when possible, and wear N-95 type masks (which are effective in stopping the tiny particles from passing through masks). We need to be alert to the weather/smoke updates during the day; if a Code Red is issued, stay indoors. Code Purple means the smoke is a danger to everyone, regardless of health status. Colors down the spectrum, from purple, red, orange, yellow—all come with specific instructions depending on your health status. At it’s worst (you recall a few days when the Washington Monument looked Orange?), many outdoor events are cancelled (including ball games, pools, beaches), and people are advised to not do strenuous activities. To give a clear picture of range, any air “reading above 100 on the index is a warning to people with respiratory conditions to take precautions”. An index above 200 is considered “very unhealthy” for all, and one above 300 is “hazardous”. (NYTimes, June 29, 2023). Earlier in June, some readings were above 400 on the East Coast!

The bright side is that winds do change, sweeping the smoke away. And, rain happens!!  Be thankful that we are again seeing a welcoming Green code. Aware that factors including climate change (the earth is getting hotter and drier), high humidity, and careless campers all contribute to fires everywhere on the globe this summer, we in Arlington do enjoy a wealth of riches in our climate. So, stay alert to index updates, wear N-95 masks outdoors as needed, and stay indoors when cautioned to. And, if you need any extra support (getting food, masks), remember to call Arlington Neighborhood Village for help. You are never alone!

(Sources for information in this article are from the NYTimes and Washington Post newspapers, plus the Online CDC “Air Quality Forecast Guide” (kept updated for our area, with color graphics).

Solo & Smart – Healthy Aging On Your Own

Friday, July 21

11:00am – 12:00pm, Webinar

Carol Marak is the author of Solo and Smart, and an expert in helping older adults create a plan for aging well. Carol will discuss how to think through the challenges of aging creatively. Participants will actively experience a process that leads them through a thoughtful and productive method to have a more reliable and secure future. Key areas to consider include legal and financial matters, healthcare decisions and logistics, housing and social connections. Carol will walk through various aspects of aging solo and discuss key considerations. Registration required.