Wildfire smoke causes haze, air quality advisory

BY ERIN PETENKO AND MAX SCHEINBLUM VTDigger

Wildfire smoke from Quebec caused a haze and a red sun effect through the Lake Champlain area and was reported as far as the Northeast Kingdom and Brattleboro on Tuesday morning.

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality advisory on Monday afternoon warning the poor air quality could be dangerous for atrisk groups.

Widespread fires in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Quebec and eastern Ontario have caused “unhealthy” air quality across much of the United States, but this is the first time this year it affected Vermont so heavily, according to Bennett Leon, planning section chief of the department’s air quality and climate division.

Since the wildfires are ongoing, there could be “off and on” impacts to Vermont in the near future, meteorologist Rebecca Duell said.

Williston Central School held physical education classes indoors for its thirdthrough eighth-graders, according to Bonnie Birdsall, the district’s director of digital learning and communications.

Leon said the current level of pollutants in the air is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” including people with respiratory conditions, young children, older adults and people who work outside. The department recommends at-risk groups stay indoors with the windows closed, and everyone should keep an eye out for symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, school activities with short outdoor periods such as recess should be safe, but for longer activities like athletics, kids may need more breaks and less intense activities.

Leon said Vermonters could use the agency’s www.AirNow.gov website to check the air quality in their area, along with more detailed recommendations for different categories of air pollution.

The Burlington Waterfront, though, appeared business as usual. School groups crowded around the Echo Leahy Center, blowing bubbles and running around the green amid a cool breeze.

“We’re just being mindful about checking in with students who have asthma or things like that, but there haven’t been any issues,” said Shaye McHatten, a teacher at Swanton Elementary School. “It is weird page 24

CLOCKWISE (l to r): CVU’s Avery Murray just clears the high jump bar during the Vermont State D1 Track and Field Championships on Saturday at Burlington High School. Amelia Novak focuses on sticking the landing in the girls long jump. Matthew Servin crosses the finish line first in the 1500 meter run. Alice Kredell (l) and Estella Laird finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the girls 1500 meter run. The CVU girls relay team finished second in the 4x800 meter relay. Anders Johnson stretches over the bar in the pole vault.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Hey Woodski!

I’m rarely sore from playing sports because I play almost every day. Is stretching before and after practice and games really that important?

Stretch Curious, age 16 (soccer and basketball)

Dear Stretch Curious, Not sore after all that activity? What’s your secret? Many athletes would love to know!

Muscle soreness can be uncomfortable, but it’s something most of us go through while building stronger muscles. Everyone’s body reacts differently to exercise though, so enjoy it.

Stretching IS important, and not for the reason you may think.

Stretching does not reduce soreness. Stretching helps keep your muscles and tendons flexible, which reduces the risk of injury. When muscles and tendons are tight, injury is more likely.

Want to keep playing the sports you love? Here are a few things you can do to keep your muscles and tendons flexible.

Pre-exercise — an active warmup is best. Gently move your body through the motions you’ll be doing later at higher intensity. For example, light squats replicate jumping, arm circles replicate shooting or throwins. Ask your coaches for more active warm-ups for your sports.

After your practice or game, static stretches are your best friend. Stretch until you feel a slight pull and then hold that position for 20-

90 seconds. Pay attention to how you feel. Stretching should never cause pain. Repeat the stretch several times while breathing softly and relaxing.

Lastly, plan a stretch session after your ride home. After traveling, repeat your active warm up followed by gentle static stretches. This relieves tight muscles after a long car or bus ride and might even energize you for homework!

Most of all, these tips will help you feel better and keep you in the game.

Steve Fuchs is a health coach at Steve Fuchs Health Coaching. Go to www.vermonthealthcoach.com to anonymously ask a question about things that affect your athletic performance, such as performance anxiety, workload balance, nutrition, willpower and procrastination. The advice offered in this column is not intended to replace professional medical advice. It is advised that you talk to your doctor before making any changes in your diet, exercise or lifestyle choices.