Today is your day Boomer! As we launch into September this weekend, I look forward to lower temperatures and clearer skies. Forest fire smoke has dominated my life in B.C. for the past few weeks and I worry about its overall health effect on my lungs. A new study confirms this. According to CTV News, the report states that "particulate pollution can reduce the global average life expectancy by 2.3 years. That’s slightly higher than tobacco use, which reduces global life expectancy by 2.2 years." Now, I should emphasize that this is exposure over consistent, long periods of time and "can cause lung diseases, respiratory issues, and also affect the cardiovascular system and lead to strokes or heart attacks." Climate change means longer fire times, but it should also make city-dwelling Boomers think about where they live. Big cities like Toronto and Montreal have much more consistent smog and pollution than smaller urban areas like Kelowna. As an example in Bangladesh, the country with the highest pollution levels in 2021, a citizen stands to lose an average 6.8 years of life! Yikes! Smog for thought today Boomers! Cheers.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
Today is your day Boomer! Attached are two news articles summarizing the court case involving our beautiful Melissa. You are so missed. (1) https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/crash-that-killed-beloved-teacher-leads-to-probation-driving-ban-7398712 (2) https://www.cheknews.ca/exceptional-loss-man-sentenced-for-2022-crash-that-killed-woman-on-vancouver-island-1164091/
Read more
Image
Today is your day Boomer! My Dad left this world this week. I was there in-person to say goodbye and, of course, it was very, very difficult. But rather than focusing on the negatives of his downfall, I want to share with you my Dad's many contributions to my life. First off, Harold (Hal) shared his name with me and helped raise me as one of six kids in our family. Imagine the financial impact a family of eight had on his work life and mental state! Speaking of that, he taught me the importance of a strong work ethic and a good education. All his kids have university degrees or trades tickets. He showed me the supreme importance of family gatherings, how to flyfish...even when he was colour blind....how to use tools, play high-level bridge, eat organic foods, he taught me how to drive....even though I ruined the transmission on our old car....he showed me how to sail, save and invest money, have an appreciation for nature, he was a role model for me as I moved through heart/s
Read more
Image
Today is your day Boomer! You know, you go away for a wedding and a few days camping....and another war breaks out. In addition to the long, drawn-out conflict in Ukraine, we now have a war in the Middle East between terrorist-group Hamas and Israel. Hundreds have died so far in the occupied territories of Gaza, Westbank, and Golan....and along the Israeli borders. Foreigners living in this area have been kidnapped and some killed, and America is sending weapons to Israel. Why? What does all this mean? What is some of the history behind this terrible conflict? As a former history teacher, I will attempt to inform interested Boomers in my next few blogs. In the meantime, I suggest the two sides sit down and listen to the lyrics in the 1975 song "Why Can't We Be Friends" (some of which are listed in this picture). Ironically, the song is performed by the American punk band "War". Maybe listen to it on YouTube as well....cheers Boomers!!
Read more