THIS IS IMPORTANT! PLEASE PROTECT YOUR LUNGS!
First, I pray that everyone in Florida has either evacuated or sheltered from the hurricane. It is a monster, and not to be taken lightly. I fear for those who require supplemental oxygen. I hope that they are prepared.
Meanwhile, much of the western United States is suffering from massive wildfires. Hundreds of them! California, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and many other states are affected. Massive destruction of our forests and homes.
We are currently in Colorado, and the smoke from the fires in the west is very evident in our normally clear blue skies. Yesterday, it was so thick that it was evident between our house and the trees across the street. Wood smoke, unfortunately, is composed of very tiny particles, particles that can easily be drawn deep into the lungs. Once there, they tend to stay, causing irritation that can be more harmful than cigarette smoke.
So, I urge you to stay indoors. If you cannot, or will not, please consider wearing a mask. The cheap surgical masks, the paper ones, help. The more form-fitting N-95 masks are better.
I know. You don’t want to be seen wearing a mask, and most people won’t heed my advice. But I strongly urge you to get over yourself and protect your lungs, and those of your family. It won’t make any difference today or tomorrow, but a few years down the road it just might save you from a diagnosis of lung disease that you really don’t want.
You have got to be your own best advocate. Take the best care of yourself that you can, and you will thank yourself later in life.
Uncle Jim