As wildfire smoke continues to render air unhealthy throughout Michigan and beyond, many local organizations in Midland are canceling events or pivoting to help people avoid being outside in the smoky air
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Great Lakes Loons President and General Manager Chris Mundhenk told the Daily News at 9 a.m. Friday that a determination would be made later in the day on whether to proceed with Friday’s 7:05 p.m. game at Dow Diamond between the Loons and Detroit Tigers affiliate West Michigan Whitecaps
“No determination has been made as of this morning,” Mundhenk said. “Per (Major League Baseball) guidelines, the determination will be made later today in consultation with MLB, medical experts, and farm directors from both clubs. Our top priority will be the safety of our guests, teams, and staff.”
The Loons are also scheduled to play the Whitecaps at Dow Diamond at 7:05 p.m. Saturday and at 1:05 p.m. Sunday
Planet Fitness
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People who exercise outdoors will have the option to work out at Planet Fitness for free this weekend due to the Canadian wildfire smoke. The gym chain, which has a location at the Midland Mall, will allow the public to use its equipment through Sunday, July 19 with no membership required.The promotion applies to all Michigan Planet Fitness locations
Guidance from MyMichigan Health
According to Paul Berg, M.D., M.H.A., chief medical officer and senior vice president at MyMichigan Health, understanding the health risks associated with poor air quality is essential, especially for those with underlying medical conditions
“Poor air quality doesn’t just affect people with chronic lung disease,” said Dr. Berg. “When air quality reaches unhealthy levels, everyone can experience health effects, although children, older adults, pregnant women and individuals with heart or lung disease are at greater risk.”
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For people living with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory illnesses, exposure to wildfire smoke can trigger coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and flare-ups that make these conditions more difficult to manage
Even healthy individuals can experience irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing or difficulty breathing when air quality is very unhealthy. Exposure to elevated levels of air pollution may also increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, particularly among people with existing heart disease. Long-term or repeated exposure may also affect lung development in children and adolescents
Dr. Berg encourages residents to take precautions when air quality deteriorates by limiting time outdoors, especially during strenuous physical activity. He also recommends keeping windows and outside doors closed to prevent smoke from entering the home and using air conditioning or an air purifier, when available, to improve indoor air quality
When driving, residents should set their vehicle’s ventilation system to recirculate the air inside the vehicle. Those who must spend extended periods outdoors should consider wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator to help reduce exposure to harmful particles in the air
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“Fortunately, periods of poor air quality are often temporary,” Dr. Berg said. “By paying attention to air quality reports and taking a few simple precautions, people can reduce their exposure and better protect their health until conditions improve.”
Individuals should seek prompt medical attention if they experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, wheezing or worsening symptoms of asthma, COPD or other respiratory conditions. Those with chronic lung disease should continue taking prescribed maintenance medications and keep rescue inhalers readily available
This story will be updated throughout the day on Friday
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