Hi everyone. Some of you have contacted me with questions on how to deal with the heavy smoke conditions happening in Western USA areas. I live in that area. It is difficult enough recuperating from a total knee replacement, but combined with poor weather conditions – it can be unbearable. Here are 10 ways to stay safe in smoky conditions.

Keep a stash of medications/inhalers available at all times. For those requiring these items, running out can endanger health. This is common sense, but needs to be mentioned. I am so grateful I do not require medications/inhalers. I feel for those of you who do.

Close your windows. It goes without saying that keeping your windows closed keeps the Smoky air outside. I said it anyway as a reminder.

Blink often. Harmful air particles can easily attach to your eyes. Blinking keeps your eyes healthy by distributing moisture and oils across the surface. This moisture keeps eyes hydrated which prevents harmful particles from attaching to the surface.

If needed, remember to use eye drops. This is especially important if you have any eye health issues.

Rinse your eyes. I like simply rinsing my eyes with fresh room-temperature water.

Run air conditioners. I understand this keeps internal air cool and circulating. Since I do not have an air conditioner, I am only writing from hearsay.

The CDC recommends keeping the fresh air intake valve closed. Keep your air filter clean and replace when dirty.

More information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/features/wildfires/index.html

Keep fans running. This circulates air, preventing staleness. It also keeps dust from accumulating on surfaces.

Stay indoors, if possible. The less time you spend outdoors breathing harmful air, the better off you are. Common sense, folks.

If you must go outdoors, consolidate your visits into one trip. Make short trips. Take precautions. Breathe through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Avoid deep breaths.

Drink water. Staying hydrated and flushing your system of any harmful particles is always good advice.

Wear a mask. There are respiratory masks available from your pharmacy. Talk with the pharmacist for more information about which ones are beneficial and which are useless.

Keep your indoor air as clean as possible. Take responsibility for lowering your own pollution level. Do this by not using candles, incense, and/or fireplaces. Remember that smoking or vaping hinders air quality.

Stop vaccuuming. It recirculates dirt particles. Personally, I don’t see any problem with this recommendation. (joke attempt)

Contact your medical care provider whenever needed. Do not be embarrassed. Emergency rooms are crammed with people suffering from poor air quality during these difficult times. Stay safe and contact your doctor at the first sign of any concern.

NOTE: When we are recuperating from a surgery such as a total Knee Replacement (tkr), our immune systems are hindered. We are in a high risk category that includes heart disease patients, elderly people, respiratory ailment folk, and the like.

Take responsibility for your health during Smoky Conditions. You, and only you, can prevent further damage.

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AUTHOR NOTE: Booktoots’ Healing helps total knee replacement patients find support throughout recuperation and beyond. Its mission is for patients to understand they are not alone in their ordeal with either a tkr or other physicality concerns.

This site is owned and operated by Marie Buckner, a published author and tkr patient who has been living with various physicalities for over 40+ years. She enjoys sharing her experiences to help others going through the same thing.

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