Breathing Easier: How BC Lung and IPOP are Protecting Air Quality and Promoting Health

As wildfire season approaches, the air quality becomes a critical concern, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma.

Last summer, BC experienced some of the worst air quality in North America and the world due to wildfires. In response, the BC Lung Foundation has launched several impactful initiatives to combat these challenges.

From Carter’s Project to the distribution of portable air quality testers and advocacy for Carter’s Law, BC Lung is making significant strides in protecting public health.

Let’s explore how these efforts, along with our partnership to promote the health benefits of pickleball, are making a difference.

Carter’s Project: A Lifesaving Initiative

BC Lung and Amber Vigh, Carter’s mother, launched Carter’s Project in honour of young Carter Vigh to address the urgent need for better air quality monitoring in schools, particularly in wildfire-prone areas. This initiative aims to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, from the adverse health effects of poor air quality, ensuring safer learning environments.

Wildfires pose significant health risks, especially during the hotter, drier summers we’ve been experiencing. Poor air quality exacerbates respiratory issues and can lead to severe health consequences. Carter Vigh’s tragic story underscores the importance of being proactive about air quality, especially for children and those with pre-existing lung conditions.

The Impact of Carter’s Project

Carter’s Project had such a profound impact that it led to the creation of Carter’s Law. This law mandates that government officials in British Columbia consider wildfire health risks to vulnerable groups and take appropriate actions to mitigate those risks. This legislative change is a significant step in protecting public health during wildfire season.

The Power of Portable Air Quality Testers

Another crucial aspect of Carter’s Project was the distribution of portable air quality testers. Last summer, BC Lung distributed these devices to 100 families in 100 Mile House, providing them with real-time air quality data.

These portable testers measure pollutants in the air and alert individuals to dangerous conditions, allowing them to take immediate action to protect their health.

These devices are essential, especially during wildfire, when air quality deteriorates rapidly.

Portable air quality testers empower individuals to make informed decisions about their environment, such as when to stay indoors or use air purifiers. Unfortunately, Carter’s life might have been saved with such a device, highlighting their importance and the need for wider distribution.

Wildfires will continue posing a threat as our summers become hotter and drier. With your support, we can provide more families across BC with these life-saving air quality testers, potentially saving many lives.

Learn more about the types of air quality testers and how they save lives here. (Link to be added soon)

Other Ways BC Lung is Improving Our Air and Health

BC Lung Foundation is at the forefront of air quality improvement initiatives, working tirelessly to protect and improve public health. Some of their key projects include:

• Smoke-Free Generation: Advocating for policies that prevent smoking among youth. By reducing the number of new smokers, this initiative helps improve air quality and overall lung health. Learn more here.
• Asthma Camps: These camps offer children with asthma the chance to experience safe and fun summer camps. They provide a supportive environment where kids can enjoy activities without compromising their health. Get more info here.
• Patient Support: Providing lung patients group support, webinars, and exercise programs. These resources help individuals manage their conditions effectively and improve their quality of life.

IPOP and BC Lung: Promoting Health Through Pickleball

We at IPOP are proud to partner with BC Lung to promote the health benefits of pickleball for everyone.

Playing pickleball is not only fun but also offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. It’s a great way to stay active, improve cardiovascular health, enhance flexibility and balance, and build social connections. Our goal is to prove the positive impacts of pickleball through scientific research, changing how people see the sport.

This partnership with BC Lung and Dr. Pat Camp from UBC will help us start studies to back these health benefits with real data. We hope to see pickleball recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle by doctors everywhere.

Learn more about our partnership, research, and how we’re promoting pickleball.

Conclusion

The BC Lung Foundation’s initiatives, such as Carter’s Project, portable air quality testers, and Carter’s Law, are vital in safeguarding public health during wildfire seasons. These efforts and programs, like Smoke-Free Generation and Asthma Camps, highlight BC Lung’s dedication to improving air quality and supporting those with respiratory issues.

Partnering with BC Lung, IPOP is also committed to promoting the health benefits of pickleball, aiming to make a positive impact through both physical activity and community support.

We’re also putting our money where our mouth is and hosting a fun-filled pickleball tournament with BC Lung to promote the health benefits of BC Lung and support their initiatives like the ones you just read about.

Join us at the First Annual BC Lung IPOP Classic on June 22nd to enjoy a day of fun and fitness while supporting these essential health initiatives. There are still spots available, especially for beginners. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something meaningful! Click the link below to register before it’s sold out!

Click Here to Register Now

Together, we can make a difference.