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10 + WATERLOO CHRONICLE + Wednesday, June 27 T a Complete Collision and Refinishing Service WWW.AMYAWNINGSIGNS.COM ;} Northdale * Auto Body 519â€"884â€"0550 , 27. 2007 G.ihven that 28 smog days ave â€" already been recorded so far this year, Ontario‘s physicians are askâ€" ing people to understand the impact smog can have on their health and to take appropriate measures to stay healthy during smog alerts. "Heat and humidity increase the risk that our breathing will be affected by smog," said Dr. Janice Willett, president of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). "Physicians treat patients every day suffering from smogâ€"related illnesses, so we‘re urging people to take preventative measures." Smog, a complex mixture of pollutants, often covers large areas of Ontario. Smog has a wide range of health impacts ranging from minor irritations of the eyes and throat, to serious breathing distress and even cardiac arrest. Here are a few quick tips on how to avoid the dangers of smog: * Plan to reduce your exposure _ by _ getting informed about when smog levels are highest and watchâ€" ing for smog advisories. * Reduce strenuous activiâ€" ties when smog is at its worst. OMA offers guidelines for smog days Transit fare change effective Sunday, July 1, 2007. As smog often cpincides Remember to keep your passes. Monthly pass users are eligible for a transit tax credit. 1 Changes to cash fare, tickets and monthly passes. No increase to day passes or GRT Photo ID. 100 Sportsworld Dr. «Blwy. 8 & 401 * HKitthener Ǥ19â€"650â€"1497 with heat, drink lots of fluid _ ment‘s air quality index. to stay hydrated. Smog Myths and « If you are enjoying an Health Realities outdoor activity, take lots of Smog myth No. 1 is smog restâ€"breaks. only affects asthmatics and «* If you have a cardiac or _ those suffering from other respiratory condition that _ major respiratory conditions. «* If you have a cardiac or respiratory condition that makes you especially vulnerâ€" able to the effects of smog, staying in a cool, clean, airâ€" conditioned environment may be appropriate. * If you do not have access tq an airâ€"conditioned environment, _ find _ a shaded area away from trafâ€" fic. * Know your limits and pay attention to how you are feeling. "Children and the elderly are the most sensitive to smogâ€"related ilinesses, but anyone can become ill if they don‘t take appropriate preâ€" cautions during smoggy weather," said Willett. "We don‘t want people to alter their lives dramatically durâ€" ing a smog alert, but listen to what your body is telling you and adjust your physical activity accordingly." So far 2007 is currently on track to beat Ontario‘s smoggiest year yet, which was 2005, when the province recorded 60 smog days. So far this year there have been 28 smog days, according to the Ministry of the Environâ€" infoline: 519â€"585â€"7555 TTY 519â€" The health reality is that smog can affect everyone. _ Certain groups of people are at a greater health risk including children, seniors, people with preâ€"existing conditions and people who work and exercise outdoors. Although smog makes asthmatics and others with respiratory conditions ill every year, smogâ€"related deaths are more often the result of cardiac causes than respiratory ones. Smog myth No. 2 is as Jong as there is no smog alert, it is perfectly safe for everyone. The health reality is smog advisories or alerts are usualâ€" ly issued by the Ministry of the Environment when high smog levels are expected to persist over a large area. As there is no threshold for smog‘s health impact, such alerts cannot be fully protective of those in the population who are most vulnerable. Many asthmatics, for instance, feel the impact of pollution at levels well below # SRAND RIVER TRAMSIT the smog alert level Smog myth No. 3 is that since running the air condiâ€" tioner will contribute to pollution, everyone should turn theirs off. The health reality is although air conditioners do contribute to smog and shouldn‘t be abused, they are also an important defence against the comâ€" bined effects of heat, allerâ€" gens and pollution. If you have a known carâ€" diac or respiratory condition, are young or elderly or are suffering the effects of dirty air, getting into a cool enviâ€" ronment is recommended. Smog myth No. 4 is if it‘s smoggy, all sporting events and outdoor activities should be cancelled. Use your common sense, monitor your activities and those of your family. Reduce your exertion, schedule rest breaks and stay hydrated, but pay special attention to those with preâ€"existing health conditions. Toning down outdoor activities may be appropriate in the smog, eliminating them altogether is seldom necessary. Please see a physician if you are unsure of your health, or need advice on how to manage a preâ€"existâ€" ing medical condition.