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For Immediate Release
The BC Lung Association Urges British Columbians to Stay Cool and Hydrated on Hot Summer Days
July 9, 2010, Vancouver, BC -- The summer season is upon us and it's time to think about preventing dehydration and heat-related illness says the BC Lung Association.
The Association urges British Columbians to protect themselves on hot summer days: drink extra water, avoid strenuous activity and, if you feel particularly affected by the heat- cool off, and hydrate.
“Summer air can sometimes be particularly hard to breathe. Sunlight reacts with air pollutants to produced increased levels of ozone that is known to irritate airways and high concentration of trees and grass pollens in the air can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals,” says Dr. Menn Biagtan, Program Manager for the BC Lung Association. “Heat affects health quickly. Even people who don’t normally have difficulty breathing can be affected by poorer air quality on particularly hot, humid summer days and begin to wilt when the thermometer starts to pass the 25 degree mark.”
Who is most at risk?
Poor air quality can cause an increase in respiratory symptoms, hospitalizations and premature deaths especially among children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of heat-related illness include headache, dizziness, confusion or fainting. Skin may become hot and dry, or there may be sweating due to high body temperature. Exposure to excessive heat can also cause cramps (usually in the legs or abdomen) and exhaustion that includes heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fainting.
What can you do to protect your health and that of your family?
Check out the BC Air Quality Health Index.
The BC Air Quality Health Index (www.airhealthbc.ca) is a tool that was developed to indicate the immediate risk to health of current and near -future levels of pollutants such as small particulate matter (PM 2.5), ozone and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Learn about air sensitivities.
If you have asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema) or any other chronic lung or heart condition, you are likely to suffer more. Monitor your breathing when you are physically active. If your condition worsens during periods of poor air quality, consult with your family physician. You may need to manage your condition differently, such as altering or increasing medication.
Reduce exposure.
Change your activity level when the air is polluted. Listen to your body. Some people are more sensitive to smog and may feel the effects even before an air quality advisory is issued.
Try to take it easy.
Even if you can’t change your schedule, consider changing the intensity or length of your activity. For example, instead of jogging for half an hour, walk for half an hour, or jog for 15 minutes.
By adjusting when and where you exercise, you can reduce your breathing difficulties when the air is polluted. For otherwise healthy individuals, consider avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise.
Limit daytime outdoor activity to early morning and late afternoon. If you are older or living with lung or heart disease, you may be more comfortable indoors in a cool, clean environment. If you are on medication for lung or heart disease, including asthma, follow your healthcare action plan carefully.
Be aware.
“Ultimately, summer weather is to be enjoyed, not dreaded. Basic awareness and consideration of your own sensitivities can help you get the most out of the season,” says Dr. Biagtan.
For more information about what you can do to improve your breathing during the summer months, contact the BC Lung Association at 604.731.5864, or toll free 1.800.665.5864 outside the Lower Mainland.
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Media contacts:
Dr. Menn Biagtan, Program Manager, BC Lung Association
T 604.731.5864, or 1.800.665.LUNG (5864) E biagtan@bc.lung.ca
Katrina van Bylandt, Communications Manager, BC Lung Association
T 604.731.5864, or 1.800.665.LUNG (5864) E vanbylandt@bc.lung.ca