Q: Last summer, my 16-year-old son struggled with his asthma due to wildfire smoke here in upper New York state. What can I do this year to help him—and our whole family? — Carey T., Buffalo, New York
A: Wildfire season is harsh. Already, there have been over 15,000 fires this year, consuming more than 1.5 million acres, with peak season just around the corner. These events can cause serious health issues, especially for people with respiratory problems. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency warns that even those far away from the smoke can face cognitive issues. Living close to the fires adds stress, anxiety, and a rising risk of heart problems—by 30% in some cases.
According to research published in Science Advances, the long-term effects of wildfire smoke contribute to around 24,000 deaths annually in the continental U.S.
So, how can you protect your family from the harmful particles in wildfire smoke?
- Monitor local air quality at airnow.gov.
- Keep windows shut and use HEPA filter air cleaners. If you have central AC, opt for high-efficiency filters (MERV 13 or higher).
- Avoid smoking, cooking with gas, or running vacuums without HEPA filters while outdoor air quality is poor.
- When going outside, wear a NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator. For details, check out cdc.gov/niosh.
Q: My doctor was upset when I mentioned I found advice on YouTube saying I didn’t need to worry about salt intake. I thought it made sense! How could I know it was bad guidance? — Tory Y., Lexington, Kentucky
A: The internet can be a tricky place for medical advice. Misinformation spreads quickly through chatbots, AI, and social media influencers. A recent study pointed out that AI chatbots can be easily fooled by false medical claims, often repeating them without critical analysis. Meanwhile, a look at over 6,000 articles found widespread misinformation on platforms like Instagram and Facebook regarding health topics like diet and blood pressure.
So, what’s the best way to handle this? Always verify information. Even sources that seem trustworthy can provide misleading advice. A classic example is the fake Dr. Sanjay Gupta videos promoting questionable weight-loss methods. When searching for information, stick with established sources like Medical News Today and organizations like the American Heart Association.
Duke University School of Medicine suggests a great approach: instead of relying solely on AI for health information, use it to simplify articles from reputable medical journals. And if you’re engaging with AI resources, make sure they’re transparent about their processes and sources.
Staying informed is crucial for health. Your family’s well-being depends on it.
