Upload
doreen-merilyn-mosley
View
215
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
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
8
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: [email protected]: (919) 707-8710
Lorelei Elkins (Triad Region)[email protected](336) 703-2449
Air Quality Outreach to Older Adults
www.ncair.org/airaware/knowthecode