Munson Healthcare is reminding the community to be aware of the effects current air quality can have on certain populations. Due to the wildfire smoke from Canada, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has issued an air quality alert for today, Tuesday, June 27. The air quality alert indicates that areas in northern Michigan will experience orange or unhealthy for sensitive groups, to red or unhealthy for everyone levels of air quality.
“Those who are most at risk during an air quality alert include pregnant women, people with asthma or other lung disease, those with heart disease, risk of stroke, and cancer patients. High risk populations should stay indoors, take their prescribed medications including inhalers, avoid exercising outdoors, and limit exposure to emissions,” said Christine Nefcy, MD, Chief Medical Officer for the Munson Healthcare system. “Not burning yard waste, turning off your car rather than idling, and carpooling are a few ways community members can help while we are under an unhealthy air alert.”
Nefcy said the unhealthy air quality is expected to persist throughout the week. For your safety, Munson Healthcare recommends:
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- People at high risk for health reasons should consider wearing a mask.
- Pay attention to possible symptoms and seek medical care or call our Ask-a-Nurse hotline at 231-935-0951 with questions.
Munson Healthcare recommends children and teenagers, older adults, people with heart or lung disease, and other high-risk populations should consider making outdoor activities less intense and shorter. Take more breaks if you choose to be active outdoors and watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. People with asthma should keep quick relief medicine handy and follow regular action plans. For people with heart disease, symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious health concern. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider.
For more information on air quality conditions in our area: www.airnow.gov.