Exercise indoors when ozone smog levels are high

Swimsuit season is around the corner, but a UT Southwestern Medical Center allergist suggests checking air conditions before heading outside to work off winter’s pounds.

“Ozone smog can cause asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain when inhaled deeply,” says Dr. David Khan. “People most sensitive to ozone smog are children, the elderly, people with asthma and other lung diseases and healthy people who work or exercise outdoors.”

He recommends exercising indoors on days ozone smog is high. Running on a treadmill or power walking in a shopping mall are two options.

If you must be outside, Dr. Khan suggests avoiding high traffic areas and heading out in the early morning. Levels of ozone smog are lowest in the morning around sunrise. As traffic emissions and sunlight increase, so do smog levels.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/allergy to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in allergy.

Media Contact: Erin Prather Stafford

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and Clean Air Month

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