Apocalypse Now- Fire, Climate Change and Cardiac Arrest

Today's episode is a brief one outside the regular two week schedue. It is recorded in the setting of the wildfires engulfing the West Coast. I focus on the health effects of breathing wildfire smoke. I also provide some steps that we can take in response. 

TLDL (To Long Didn't Listen)- Climate change is driving wildfires which will lead to astronomical costs in human and economic health. We need to do something. 

Things you can do: 

Donate Money- 

Donate to World Central Kitchen- working to feed firefighters and those on the frontline 

Donate to Pacific NW Red Cross- fund organized by KGW news 

Donate to California Fire Foundation- supporting families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and their communities 

Donate to the NorCal Wildfire Relief Fund- helps Latino-lead organizations get critical financial assistance, rehousing support, and emergency translation for Latino and immigrant families affected by the fires 

Take Action- 

Demand your elected representatives take climate change seriously and fund programs to decrease carbon emissions and mitigate climate change effects, including catastrophic fires. 

Thank your firefighters. Donate to organizations above to support them. Ensure they have adequate PPE, health care coverage and support for their families. 

Recognize that many of those who need to flee fire are climate refugees. Expand your compassion to those around the world who also need to flee drought and heat to find better lives. We are all in this together. 

Twitchy Airways Club- If you are a member of the Twitchy Airways Club and suffer from asthma or COPD, make sure to follow the air quality reports from airnow.gov or other local public health websites and pay attention to recommendations for sensitive or vulnerable groups. 

- Make sure to carry a rescue inhaler with plenty of doses, and if you have worsening symptoms, talk to your doctor about whether you need increased maintenance medication as well, and what your emergency control plan is. 

- Consider using an N95 mask outside to decrease your particulate matter burden. 

- If considering an air filter, avoid one that generates ozone. More information on this post. 

--------------------------------------------------

For more information, go to airhealthourhealth.org. 

Follow and comment on Facebook page and Instagram. Record a question or comment on the Anchor podcast site or contact me via the website.