Warning: Breathe deeply: at your own risk??

Breathing, essential to live, is a commonality that links us all.
But how often do we think about air quality when we inhale fresh air?
What exactly is in the air that penetrates deep into our lungs and sustains us?
This presentation will summarize the mounting evidence highlighting the detrimental health risks of air pollution and the health provider’s role in reducing these risks. Additionally, this presentation will address the vital importance of incorporating awareness of the health effects of air pollution especially on vulnerable populations and into clinical practices. We will demonstrate a number of tools and resources, including the Air Quality Health Index, and the University of British Columbia's on-line accredited program that offers solutions for reducing exposure to air pollution at critical periods of time when air pollution is at its worst.
(Photo credit: CBC July 18, 2008)

We will discuss the positive ongoing collaboration with Health Canada, where for the next two years; twenty-six interdisciplinary health care professionals from across Canada will be teaching both interdisciplinary health professionals and health stakeholders the evidence regarding air pollution and its impact on health and how to utilize the Air Quality Health Index tool into their practices. They are supported by an inter-professional resource consultation team.     

Finally, presenters will facilitate audience discussion in order to evaluate and incorporate recommendations for any suggested improvements of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) tool.

Advisors on Tap:
Thanks to the College of Family Physicians of Canada for creating a team of regional spokespersons/experts on Air Pollution and Health.

Hilda Swirsky, RN, BScN, MEd
CCFP regional spokesperson/expert on Air Pollution and Health.

Greg Rollins, RRT CRE,
Professional Practice Leader Respiratory Services,  Interior Health, BC
CCFP regional spokesperson/expert on Air Pollution and Health.

Related Resources:
For more information on the Air Quality Health Index, please go to www.airhealth.ca
(AQHI is funded by Health Canada)