Lorelei Elkins October 2,2015 KNOW THE CODE! Air Quality Outreach to Older Adults

Lorelei ElkinsOctober 2,2015

KNOW THE CODE! Air Quality Outreach

to Older Adults

Older AdultsWhy Focus on Older Adults?• No existing campaign • Identified as a “Sensitive Group”• Growth of older population in NC• More active older population

Older Adults

Older adult population in the US was 41.4 million in 2011. Population projected to be 83.7 million in 2050. About 45% of 65-74 reported that they engage in regular

leisure-time physical activity. NC ranks 9th in the population 60 and older.

Source: US Census An Aging Nation Report May 2014

More People 60+ than 0-17, 2012

Source: NC State Data Center 10.01.2013

More People 60+ than 0-17, 2025

Source: NC State Data Center 10.01.2013

Air Pollution and Your Health

How to protect yourself?• Know the Code (AQI)

Effects: Chronic bronchitis and other lung

diseases Abdominal mucus production Premature aging of the lungs Narrowing of the airways Decreased air flow Increase in white blood cells Fluid accumulation and swelling Death and shedding of the cells

that line the airways

Air Pollution and Your Lungs

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Air Pollution and Your Heart

Effects:Unusual fatigueLow oxygen in red blood cellsVascular inflammationIncreased risk of blood clotNarrowing of vesselsIncreased risk of plaque rupture in arteries

Simple Steps to Protect Your Health

Plan outdoor activities for the morning or early evening.

Adjust when and where you exercise.

Reduce an activity that requires heavy exertion to one with moderate exertion.

KNOW THE CODE!

Air Quality Forecast (code)

Air Quality Index Meaning

GoodAir quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no concern. Go outside and enjoy the day!

ModerateThere may be a moderate health concern for people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Older adults, children, active people, and those with heart or lung disease may experience health effects. Limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

UnhealthyOlder adults, children, active people, and those with heart or lung disease may experience more serious health effects. Everyone may experience health effects. Limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

Very Unhealthy Everyone is likely to be affected. Avoid all outdoors exertion.

How do you get the Forecast?

EPA: www.airnow.gov1

www.ncair.org 1-888-RU4NCAIR (784-6224)

2

EnviroFlash: Air quality forecast to your inbox

3 4Get the “app”

for your phone

KNOW THE CODE!

Air Quality Outreach to Older Adults

Outreach to Older Adults

Increase awareness and use of our air quality forecast system (code) to help older adults in North Carolina better plan their outdoor activities and take steps to protect their health.

Conduct outreach and education to older adults (Direct). Establish relationships with businesses and organizations

that provide services to older adults (Indirect).

Goal

Basic Objectives

Indirect Outreach

NC Division of Aging and Adult Services Area Agencies on Aging NC Senior Games NC Association on Aging NC Division of Public Health UNC Chapel Hill Institute for the Environment

Direct Outreach

Educational Materials: Informational card Brochure Pamphlet Poster

Everything is free!

Promotional Materials: Bookmarks Magnets

Presentations: DAQ staff Do-it-yourself

Thank you!

Shannon CulpepperNC Division of Air QualityEmail: Shannon.Culpepper@ncdenr.govPhone: (919) 707-8710

Lorelei Elkins (Triad Region)ElkinsLT@forsyth.cc(336) 703-2449

Air Quality Outreach to Older Adults

www.ncair.org/airaware/knowthecode