Smoke’s impact on health beyond a cough, sore eyes
With its wineries, lakes, sunshine and warm summer weather, the Okanagan is breathtaking.
In recent weeks, though, the region has been breathtaking not for its picturesque mountain and water views, but for its poor air quality.
Hundreds of forest fires burning throughout the province and in the U.S. blanketed B.C. in a thick layer of smoke, causing a significant impact on flights, community events and, most importantly, health.
Air quality warnings issued by Environment Canada stressed the importance of remaining indoors as much as possible, especially for youth, seniors and those with lung and heart conditions.
But for many, the effects of forest fire smoke go beyond physical health. Research has shown that mental health, too, can be affected by a smoky environment.
The Canadian Mental Health Association explains on its website that dark and dreary days, whether caused by rain and cloud in winter or smoke in summer, can in fact make us sad. Appetites change, moods differ, and hobbies that once were fun become less enjoyable.
The CMHA’s website offers a plethora of resources that can help people looking for more information either online or by phone.
So when the smoke clears, as it did Monday, it’s important to take the opportunity to soak up some vitamin D. According to the CMHA’s website, daily walks, moving your workspace next to a window, or any chance to catch some sunshine can have a significant impact on mood.
Under sunshine and blue skies Monday, it seemed as though the downtown core became considerably more vibrant than in previous days, with many at the marina enjoying a walk along the water, lunch on a restaurant patio or an intense game of table tennis.
Visiting with her family from Moncton, N.B., as well as Vancouver, Liette MacDougall didn’t let the smoke of the past few weeks put a damper on her trip — or her competitive spirit.
“It’s absolutely beautiful here,” she said during a pause in a match of Ping-Pong with Michelle McNaughton.
Her husband, Wayne MacDougall, watched in a colourful lawn chair at the side with Travis Valentine. Four days into their trip, the family has seen their share of smoke, but they had no regrets about their holiday in the Okanagan.
“We love it here,” MacDougall said.