Its That Time of Year.....Fire Season, the Kincade Edition.

Many of us are facing the first hand devastation of the current fires in Northern California. Along with the Kincade Fire, multiple smaller fires local to SF (like Lafayette, Vallejo) popped up over the weekend. Along with the PG&E outages, we've got an intense season ahead of us. As the Bay Area far and wide is getting ready for the impacted of heavy, smokey air, we wanted to make a few suggestions to help keep you healthy and safe.

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• Right now were unsure when the air quality will stabilize but until then before leaving the house - check the ever shifting air quality at airnow.gov
• Wear a mask when outside for extended periods.  Although a N95 or N100 respirator is ideal, some prevention is better than nothing.
• Use a Neti pot if you have one.  Clearing the build up out of your sinuses daily can help immensely.
• Eating pears (check out our recipe here) can calm a scratchy throat and dry cough, especially when boiled or sautéed with honey.
• Take extra immune support as your body is recognizing the new stressors present.  Things like a lingering cough, sinus congestion, and dry, red or watery eyes are examples of ways our immune system lets us know its under stress and trying to rid our body of the junk we're being exposed to. (If you need input here please email us directly)
• Remain indoors. Yeah, you won’t hear us say that very often but especially if there is a preexisting vulnerability, it can be very important to avoid unnecessary exposure to more smoke. There is likely still some amount of particulate matter in the air, but it certainly seems lessened.
• Don’t increase particulate matter in the air – This includes not lighting candles, woodstoves, fireplaces, cooking food at high temperatures on the stovetop and not vacuuming. All of these activities either increase or create particulate density and circulation in the air.
• HEPA filters or even air conditioners with filters and recirculating air can help cut down on particulate matter in the air indoors. Do NOT use an air conditioner or swamp cooler if it doesn’t have air filters or it will only suck in smoke and make breathing conditions worse.
• Avoid unnecessarily exerting yourself. Heavy breathing means you’re going to suck in more smoke. Avoid it if possible.
• Be especially conscious of breathing conditions for children and pregnant women.
• Stay hydrated. Drink detoxifying and cooling teas like dandelion or mint are especially helpful.
• If your system tends towards asthma, respiratory conditions, or you have a chronic health issue or weakened immune system please be extra careful
• We are all affected when these fires occur.  If you're able to help, there are some great groups collecting donations and  supplies.  Here's one that we just donated to Corazon Healdsburg 

Cupping and acupuncture can be very helpful. If you've been affected by the fires either physically or emotionally, please don't hesitate to reach out so we can find a time that works for you!