5 Tips for Navigating Air Quality in Santa Clarita with COPD
Santa Clarita is an ideal place to retire. Year-round sunny skies and endless available activities make this area a prime place for older adults to actively live out their golden years.
But Santa Clarita also has a pesky summertime pollutant–ozone - that can make air quality particularly dangerous during certain times of the year. This is especially the case for seniors with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While it’s true that one person can’t change the air quality in the entire city, they can, however, improve the air quality in their own home.
Read on to learn more about living with COPD in Santa Clarita, and tips to get through those days when air quality is at its worst.
COPD and Air Quality: How Are They Connected?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) impacts quite a large portion of the senior population with 11 to 18 percent of adults over 65 being diagnosed with it. Physically, COPD damages the lungs and affects the exchange of oxygen. But it can also affect someone emotionally and socially if they experience breathing difficulties while partaking in activities.
Both indoor and outdoor air pollutants can cause damage to our bodies as it is exposed. In the case of an older adult with COPD, their already-weakened respiratory system is at greater risk of further damage when exposed to pollutants. And the respiratory system has direct access to the outside (of our bodies) world–right where air pollutants lurk.
Improve Indoor Air Quality with These Five Tips
It’s crucial for seniors living with COPD to take proactive measures to improve their indoor air quality so they can breathe easier and better manage their symptoms. Here are five tips Santa Clarita seniors can use to improve the air quality in their homes.
1. Air Quality in the Bedroom
You spend a good deal of time in your bedroom and because it’s where you sleep, you want to ensure it has good air quality for effective rest. Try using a ceiling or standing fan to circulate the air at night and place an air purifier next to the bed. Regularly washing bedding and dusting can also help remove allergens and mites that can irritate your breathing symptoms.
2. Regularly Replace Air Filters
Your home’s air filters help keep the air clean. Replacing the air filters in your heating and cooling system will improve airflow and quality by preventing captured particles and pollutants from circulating around your home. As a general rule of thumb, you should change your HVAC air filters every 90 to 120 days or every two to three months. Using HEPA filters in your air purifiers and vacuum cleaners also reduces the amount of indoor air pollutants.
3. Crack the Windows
On beautiful days, let the fresh, outdoor air into your home by opening your windows. This can flush out indoor pollutants and promote good ventilation.
4. Use Natural Cleaning Products
Many traditional cleaning agents contain harsh ingredients, which can trigger COPD symptoms. Swap out your conventional cleaners for natural ones. Look for labels that say “green” or “eco-friendly,” as these items often contain fewer synthetic chemicals and more plant-based ingredients.
5. Add Some Houseplants
Houseplants are natural air fresheners. They add beauty to your home, and plants absorb airborne toxins, cleansing the air. Some of the best houseplants to buy to improve indoor air quality include spider plants, snake plants, and aloe vera. If you have pets, double-check that the plant you purchase is not toxic to them.
Help at Home for Santa Clarita Seniors with COPD
Living with COPD doesn’t have to mean giving up the active life you have in Santa Clarita. With some adjustments and additions at home, you can improve your indoor air quality to make coping with COPD symptoms a little more comfortable. If you need additional help with activities around the house, Visiting Angels of Santa Clarita, CA, can assist! We help local seniors mitigate their COPD symptoms by keeping their homes neat and tidy. Our in-home caregivers can assist with light housekeeping chores, including vacuuming, laundry, and dusting. They also help with medication management, personal grooming, transportation, and meal preparation and planning.
Contact us today at (661) 263-2273 for more information.