So Much Smoke...Staying Healthy

Fires here in the Northwest and the whole West coast has made for an interesting summer. My gratitude goes to those who are working the fires.

Our health is being challenged due to particles that are small enough to get deep into lungs and cross from the alveolar sacs to the blood. PM stands for particulate matter. PM2.5  are the particles that are making it hazy out. 

• How small is 2.5 micrometers (microns= 0.000001 meter)? Think about a single hair from your head. The average human hair is about 70 micrometers in diameter – making it 30 times larger than the largest fine particle.

External Protection: A mask that can block this would be a great move.
Understanding the mask decriptions. I went to buy a mask this morning just knowing the PM2.5 number There was only one left at $40 and I hadn't done any online research to see what the description meant, so I have included below these below. No, I didnt get that one it just seemed to be too big for more purposes than just this. I also didnt choose disposables as the fit is harder to get a good seal.
Respirator Rating Letter Class

• N - Not oil resistant
• R - Resistant to oil
• P - Oil Proof

Respirator Rating Number Class

• 95 - Removes 95% of all particles that are at least 0.3 microns in diameter
• 99 - Removes 99% of particles that are at least 0.3 microns in diameter
• 100 - Removes 99.97% of all particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter or larger. HE or HEPA quality filter. So this to me seems the best as 2.5 microns>0.3 microns. We are ordinarily subjected to a lot of environmental issues so during this extra-ordinary time if we can keep our extra exposures minimalized this would be best for our health.

The fit
Straps need to go around head for a good fit to be firm around the mouth and nose to make sure that there is a good seal and all air goes through the filters and not around it. ones that go around the ears do not make a good seal.
​
Internal healing 
Between the Vancouver, BC fires we have been subjected to this smoke for what feels like weeks. How can we heal from all of this?
Qigong- movements and visualizations that help you mobilize and focus your immune system

Moving your lymph, Yes this is cardio, it is trampoline activity, Chi machine, Lymph Drainage Therapy all help. Lymph is a separate system from arterial and venous blood flow it helps move larger molecules that are in your tissues back to your circulatory system.
Sounds can help our immune function properly function through vibrations that cause organs to vibrate (massage) through resonance or the nervous or immune systems to function better, as we are just more relaxed allowing the parasympathetic system to to do it's work, I found the 2 videos below and the frequencies relaxing and was able to take full breaths within minutes of continued listening to them. I invite to test them for yourselves. Headphones or a soundbath being between 2 stereo speakers will enhance your experience. The first one is my favorite.

Increasing your water intake, increasing vitamin D3, and anti-oxidants is important. More information on herbs and vitamins lifestyle suggestions can be found here: Bear medicinal herbals.

---

References​
https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics
Choosing a mask: 
http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/resources/dust-masks-whats-the-difference.html
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/334-353.pdf​