Skip Maine state header navigation
A Publication Featuring The Information
Services Technology of Maine State Government
| Volume VII, Issue 7 | July/August 2004 |
|
|
By Andrea Lani
It’s no coincidence the ozone and swimsuit seasons occur simultaneously. The same hot sunny weather that causes us to strip down, also causes air pollutants from our vehicles to combine to form ground-level ozone-polluted air - which can make breathing difficult, and aggravate lung problems.
It is a coincidence that activities which help reduce waistlines (and enhance the look of those swimsuits) are the same ones which help reduce ozone and other forms of pollution. Try the following to improve both the swimsuit and ozone seasons.
 |
Take a hike. Getting out and enjoying nature is the best way to gain an appreciation for our environment and get inspired to help protect it. Walking a mile to the general store and back will burn at least 150 calories, even at a slow pace-increase the distance, add a load of groceries, or walk faster and you burn even more. Ride your bike. For trips a little too long for walking, bike riding provides many of the same health and environmental benefits. Say the general store is five miles away… a leisurely 10 mile bike ride will burn up over 470 calories! Go jump in a lake. In Maine, 99.5 % of lakes are clean enough to meet the swimmable classification, so we don’t have to think twice about swimming almost anywhere. A leisurely swim can burn at least 350 calories in an hour. Paddling around in a canoe for an hour burns over 175 calories, while more moderate canoeing burns over 400 calories. |
Every time we choose to walk, bike, paddle or swim instead of driving or power-boating, we reduce the amount of ozone-forming pollution that goes into our air, in addition to burning calories. That’s good news, because ozone air pollution from sources like cars and boats can irritate the eyes and the respiratory system, reduce lung function, inflame and damage the lining of the lungs, and aggravate lung disease and asthma.
Besides reducing pollution, physical activities can provide a wealth of health benefits. Studies show that regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, noninsulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, back pain, osteoporosis, and can improve your mood and help you better manage stress.
But remember, when air quality reaches unhealthy levels, avoid strenuous outdoor activities to protect your lungs. Check the air quality forecast at www.mainedep.com (click on Ozone) or call the hotline (1-800-223-1196) and plan outdoor activities to coincide with good air quality.
So when that summer sun beckons, get out and do something, but leave your car behind for your health and the environment.
Author Andrea Lani, is an Environmental Specialist with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air Quality.
