Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Healthwatch, we've been talking about summer health issues. When the weather gets warm, it could become more difficult for some people to breathe. Sunlight causes chemical reactions in the atmosphere that lead to increased ozone pollution.
Dr. Carlos Girod, a doctor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says chronic exposure to ozone can lead to lung disease and trigger asthma attacks. Children, older adults and people with asthma or other lung conditions need to stay indoors on ozone-alert days.
Ozone pollution is highest between 11 in the morning and 8 in the evening. Even healthy people need to avoid outdoor exercise during these hours on high-ozone days. It's best to exercise in the morning to avoid ozone exposure and overheating.
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June 2005
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