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.
Fall is here, time for the weather to start cooling and the trees to change colors. This week on Health Watch, we’ll remind you of some seasonal health issues. Depending on where you are in the country, you may start to need a heater. Or you may enjoy the chance to have a fire in the fireplace on a cool autumn night. But before you really need the heat, it’s a good idea to have your home heating system inspected.
Dr. Paul Pepe, chairman of emergency medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says you should check out your fireplace before you use it for the first time this season. Make sure the chimney and flue are clear of leaves and branches. Heaters and furnaces also should be inspected to make sure they’re working properly so they don’t produce carbon monoxide and they should be cleaned so you don’t send dust throughout your house when you turn the heater on.
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October 2007
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