Today wasn’t a day I expected to stay home. Like so many people across the Washington, D.C., area, I woke up to the reality that the air quality had become dangerous because of the smoke drifting south from the wildfires in Canada. For many people, it might have meant canceling a walk or staying indoors for a few hours. But for someone like me, who lives with severe asthma, it meant something much more serious. I couldn’t go to work. Instead, I stayed home, closed every window, checked every door to make sure it was sealed, and did everything I could to keep the smoky air from making its way inside. It’s a strange feeling when something as invisible as the air you breath suddenly becomes a health risk.
Asthma teaches you to pay attention to things that other people may not notice. A little smoke, poor air quality, or high pollution can quickly become a medical emergency. When the air quality reaches unhealthy levels, it’s not worth taking the chance. Missing work is frustrating, but protecting my health has to come first.
It’s also a reminder of how connected our world really is. Wildfires burning hundreds of miles away in Canada are affecting people here in D.C. Nature doesn’t recognize borders. What happens in one place can have a real impact on communities far away.
Today also reminded me not to take the simple things for granted. We don’t often think about breathing until it becomes difficult. Clean air is something most of us expect to have every day, yet there are moments like this that remind us just how precious it really is.
If you are dealing with asthma, COPD, or another respiratory condition, please be careful during days like these. Pay attention to the air quality, stay indoors if you can, keep your windows and doors closed, and don’t ignore what your body is telling you. No job, errand, or appointment is more important than your health.
Today, my plans changed because of something I couldn’t control. But I am grateful that I had the opportunity to stay home, protect my lungs, and wait for cleaner skies.
Sometimes, taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do.
Have you ever had to change your plans because of poor air quality or another weather related event? I’d love to hear your story. Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s encourage one another put our health first.
