KNOW YOUR COLORS – Protect Your Health from California Fires Season Deadly Smoke
California Fire season has started early this year. Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) has facts to help you prep, with guidance at https://www.hpsj.com/stay-safe-during-fire-season/.
Air quality from the fires finds all Californians beyond the fire warning zone. To protect loved ones KNOW YOUR COLORS when it comes to air quality for this year’s fire season. The source is AirNow.gov at www.airnow.gov/.
Fire season smoke is not safe. Here’s why:
California fires make particle pollution which is made of tiny solids or liquid droplets. They are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause health problems.
When exposed to this type of air, people with heart or lung health problems and older adults are more at risk of hospital visits. In some cases, even death from heart or lung disease.
Even if you are healthy, being outside when there are higher levels of these tiny solids in the air can cause issues. Signs are itchy/red eyes, nose and throat; coughing; phlegm; chest tightness; and shortness of breath.
At greatest risk are people with heart or lung disease, older adults (they might have undiagnosed heart or lung disease), and children.
Find more for your health and safety at AirNow. There is even a color-coded app for your PC and smart phone, so you can track the air quality near you.
Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) members should keep in touch with their PCP, our helpful Customer Service staff, or HealthReach 24/7, the nurse/doctor line for HPSJ.
HOW PEOPLE CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES, AND OTHERS
HPSJ Chief Medical Dr. Lakshmi Dhanvanthari, MD, says: “Your actions will save lives. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Watch your distance. When it is your turn, please get vaccinated. Then, until all of us are safe, keep on being a protector: masking, handwashing, and physical distancing.”
For info on COVID vaccines, see HPSJ’s MYTH BUSTERS, at https://miembros.hpsj.com/coronavirus/ and in English at www.hpsj.com/coronavirus/.