Smoke from wildfires burning around the province and beyond has contributed to deteriorating air quality in the St. Albert area.
Alberta Health Services issued an air-quality advisory this week for the Edmonton zone because of deteriorating air quality throughout the zone.
Even otherwise healthy individuals may experience the negative effects of the air quality, including irritation of the eyes and throat and shortness of breath. These problems may be exacerbated for individuals with pre-existing respiratory concerns.
The health authority recommends residents take steps to reduce the exposure to the smoke, including closing windows, turning off fans, turning off fresh-air intake on air conditioners, closing floor registers and fireplace dampers.
Backyard fire pits, and those found in public parks, should not be used until air quality improves.
An increase in cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has prompted Alberta Health Services to declare an outbreak of the infection in the province’s north zone.
So far 182 cases of pertussis have been confirmed in northern Alberta, with three requiring patients to be hospitalized.
While the condition is not nearly so severe in the Edmonton zone, which includes St. Albert, several dozen cases have nonetheless been reported.
AHS spokesperson Kerry Williamson said while no data is available specifically for St. Albert, there have so far been 54 cases this year, with just one patient needing hospitalization.
There were a total of 101 cases in 2014, up from 67 in 2013.
Tripping and falling can be embarrassing for most of us, but as we age taking a tumble can mean much more than a bruised ego. For senior citizens in our community, something as simple as falling down can have disastrous results.
The St. Albert and Sturgeon Primary Care Network is therefore offering a free fall-prevention program Sept. 2 at 10 a.m.
Seniors nurse Lori Jack explained a simple fall can ultimately lead to a host of other issues with a definite negative impact on quality of life.
“Depending on the age of an individual, the older we get it can actually lead to death because of the decreased mobility and the increased chance of complications,” she said.
She noted while not all falls are preventable, many of them are and minimizing the risk will be the focus of the workshop. Topics will include proper footwear, diet, blood pressure, and ways to minimize the risk of falling in the home.
To register, contact the primary care network at 780-419-2214.
While many of us are thinking about back to school for the five-plus crowd this September, educational opportunities abound for the 50-plus crowd as well.
The club is offering a variety of fitness and wellness classes at both Cornerstone Hall and Grandin Park Plaza, including basic movement classes focusing on strength and flexibility, aerobics classes, and disciplines such as yoga and tai chi.
Early registration for the St. Albert 50+ Club’s fall health and wellness courses ends this Monday, Aug. 31, so registering early can save you a few bucks.
