A Look at Natural Ways to Breathing Easier When Heat and Wildfire Smoke Make Air Quality Bad
Air pollution remains an ongoing concern for people who live in Southern California, with Los Angeles County holding the record for worst in the nation in the number of days that exceed federal health standards for air quality. We have to breathe unhealthy air 189 out of 365 days.
And our long-standing extreme drought conditions increase the risk of wildfires, while decreasing firefighters’ ability to contain conflagrations.
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So considering an unhealthy air quality index for half the year, plus the possibility of having to breathe wildfire smoke during fire season, it makes sense to take a few easy precautions to protect yourself and your family members from the most harmful effects of air and smoke pollution.
The good news is there are natural ways to make breathing easier and safer when the air gets unhealthy.
Who is at Highest Risk when the Air Quality Index is Unhealthy?
- Older people, especially those with pre-existing breathing or heart conditions; and
- Younger people, especially those with allergies and asthma.
Here are Some Tips on How to Breathe Easier when the Air Quality Index is Unhealthy
- Exercise in the morning. Air quality is usually better before rush hour.
- Change your air filters monthly and have your air conditioning ducts cleaned every couple of years.
- Avoid adding to indoor air pollution. Many cleaning products produce irritating vapors, and unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter, avoid vacuuming until outside air quality improves and you can open some windows.
- Maintain houseplants; here are the best air filters.
- Keep your internal stress levels low, so your body has enough cortisol stored to manage emergencies.
Cortisol Provides Natural Protection
- Cortisol is a master hormone and influences nearly every cell tissue and organ in your body.
- Cortisol manages inflammation, in the lungs and everywhere else in the body.
- Chronic stress levels deplete your body’s ability to manage any new stress, like poor air quality.
RELATED: Read more Dr. Polucki Family Health Hour news articles on KHTS’s website
Our Thriving Lifestyle Choices© programs helps people breathe easier and manage stress better with 7 simple steps:
- Pay attention to how foods affect you;
- Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night;
- Do 20 minutes of sweaty exercise every day;
- Drink more water,
- Learn how to breathe more effectively;
- Take a few appropriate daily supplements;
- Learn to physically decompress from daily stress.
You can do all this naturally, without drugs, surgery, needles, twisting, cracking or multi-level market schemes, and have more time and money to do your favorite things with the people you love most.
If this is what you are looking for, take my free, fast and confidential online survey at http://www.drpolucki.com/consultation/ and you may qualify for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.
About Santa Clarita Five Star Chiropractor Dr. Thomas Polucki
Dr. Thomas Polucki is a Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor and Certified Upper Cervical Chiropractor.
Dr. Polucki provides Functional Medicine services in most cities via remote labs and Internet consultations. He sees patients by appointment at 25050 Peachland Ave., Suite 105, Newhall, Calif., 91321. Visit http://www.drpolucki.com for more information or call 661-753-9340 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Polucki also hosts the “Dr. Polucki Family Health Hour” on AM 1220 KHTS radio in Santa Clarita Mondays from 11 a.m. to noon. Click here to listen to the podcasts.
The information in this article is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease.
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