Health
Michelle Treseler
Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

As the Palisades, Woodley, Easton, and Hurst wildfires devastate Los Angeles County, displacing over 100,000 residents, the potential health impacts of the smoke may not be an immediate concern for many. However, in addition to the direct threat posed by the fires, the air pollution caused by wildfire smoke—billowing clouds of ash and smoke drifting across the region—can significantly affect health. Experts warn that inhaling toxic particulate matter released by wildfires is linked to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Taking preventative and protective measures to limit exposure to wildfire smoke can help mitigate some of these health risks.

Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
Health
Michelle Treseler
Wildfire Smoke and Your Health: What You Can ...

Breathing large amounts of particulate matter from smoke can cause irritation of our mucous membranes (in our nose, sinuses, throat and lungs) and it can exacerbate underlying conditions, such as: asthma, heart disease, COPD, emphysema, etc. This year, we have the added challenge of a virus that can also impact our respiratory system. I have received a lot of questions as to how we can best navigate these challenges so, in this post, I am sharing what I have found to be physically beneficial when encountering wildfire smoke.

If possible, and I recognize the inherent privilege of being able to partake in the following, here are some ideas as to how to prevent excessive or prolonged exposure to smoke, protect our respiratory system, and promote well-being.

Wildfire Smoke and Your Health: What You Can Do Right Now to Reduce your Health Risk

Why practice Qigong?

Why practice Qigong?

How do we make this shift from surviving to thriving?

What if I told you that there is a practice which studies show has the ability to lower stress and decrease anxiety? What if I told you there is a technology that improves immune function, improves sleep quality, lowers blood pressure, and reduces inflammation? A practice that in a recent peer-reviewed article appears to aid in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of respiratory infections, including COVID-19?

Too good to be true, right? That’s what I originally thought, too.

My background in public health says: show me the data. Is this evidence-based?

Dive deep into the stillness of your own being

Dive deep into the stillness of your own being

Practice kindness to the self if one gets caught in the waves of disharmony.  Detach from the swirling of fear/anxiety and dive deep to the inner stillness within and take a moment to breathe - just one conscious breath is all that is required to rest and reset. 

Let us respond mindfully from inner stability and not be caught in reaction to the news or to each other. In this age of connectivity, voices of wisdom, discernment and constructive criticism are necessary for a functioning, healthy society. Your voice, coming from a place of inner harmony, may be needed now more than ever.