BAD AIR/BAD ATTITUDE: THREE STEPS TO BREATHING EASY (FIRST MONDAY GREEN TIP)

Six days into a cough-free August and we're holding our breath; the air can degrade at any moment, overcome by wildfires and lightening.
In July, Boise had some of the worst air in the U.S.A.
Even worse than L.A.
And people are not happy about it.

At ground level, ozone pollution can aggravate asthma, cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Particle pollution can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and coughing and phlegm.

Children are at special risk as their immune systems are developing, and playing on the ground increases exposure to toxins.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Air Quality states that:
"People exposed to air toxics at sufficient concentrations and durations may have an increased chance of developing cancer or other serious breathing problems, including:
---damage to the immune system
---neurological, reproductive (reduced fertility), developmental, and respiratory problems."

Bad air is so toxic, the World Health Organization indicates that air pollution causes 2.7 deaths annually.

Not wanting to be part of a statistic like that, I adjust my lifestyle when the air in Boise goes bad.

I look for the Air Quality alerts announced on Local TV. These provide practical information about when to stay inside or not exercise.
Details can be found at: http://www.deq.state.id.us/air/data_reports/monitoring/aqi.cfm.

In addition, these three steps help me breathe easier:
Step 1) IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY
I recover from toxic air outside by improving air quality inside.
One of the easiest (and most beautiful) ways to improve indoor air quality is through plants.

In the book How to Grow Fresh Air, Fifty Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office by Dr. B.C. Wolverton, the top plants are ranked based on ease of growth + maintenance, resistance to pests, efficiency at removing chemical vapors, and transpiration rate.

Plants that Purify Air - THE TOP TEN
Areca Palm, Lady Palm (Rapis excelsis), Bamboo palm, Rubber plant, Dracaena "Janet Craig," English Ivy, Dwarf Date Palm, Ficus Alii, Boston Fern and Peace Lily.


Step 2) EAT GREEN (and Red and Blue and Yellow)
Antioxidants have been shown to improve respiratory problems such as asthma, so I make sure to add extra helpings of foods rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

From the USDA, the Top 20 Best Sources of Food Antioxidants (Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts):
1) small red bean
2)wild blueberry
3) red kidney bean
4) pinto bean
5) blueberry (cultivated)
6) cranberry
7) artichoke
8) blackberry
9) prune
10) raspberry
11) strawberry
12) Red Delicious apple
13) Granny Smith
14) Pecan
15) Sweet cherry
16) Black plum
17) russet potato
18) Black bean
19) plum
20) Gala apple

Step 3) SAY HELLO TO HEPA

Introduce yourself to a great air-purifier. This helps process the pollution that people and animals trek indoors.

The best air purifiers are HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filters. Home-owners can look for filters to connect with their home central air systems, or purchase individual devices.

I recommend visiting your favorite home-friendly store in town, no need to have them trucked or flown in.

And finally, I make sure to get adjusted during times of increased environmental stess. Holistic chiropractic care helps the body respond to the extra stress demands, as well as ease the spinal spasms triggered by coughing attacks. It makes a difference for me.

Be Spine Tingling,

Dr. Madeline Behrendt

iwomenfilm@gmail.com

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