Senior centers taking extra precautions amid poor air quality
Luis Avila
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Gusty and dusty conditions across the valley have triggered air quality alerts, once again raising health concerns for our most vulnerable, seniors.
“I never have had allergies before and I’m 88. Now I have them because of the winds.. My nose, I have to keep a box of Kleenex all the time.”
Gaile Kelly, Cathedral City resident
“Over the years that I’ve been here, it’s gotten worse to the point where sometimes you either have to stay in or come some place like the Mizell Center to get out of the wind.”
Robert Daniel, Palm Springs resident
Rob Wheeler, executive director of the Mizell Center, says while it’s recommended people stay indoors, doing so alone can present its own set of challenges.
“Spending time in doors can also lead to social isolation and we encourage folks to seek out to ways to engage with the community in indoor public spaces.”
Rob Wheeler, Mizell Center executive director
As a result, senior center like my Mizell are ramping up efforts to ensure visitors can stay safe from the poor air quality, including:
offering masks
limiting outdoor programs
information sheets
The latest “State of the Air” report by the American Lung Association finds Riverside County overtook Los Angeles County as the most polluted region, giving the county a failing grade for high ozone days and particle pollution.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.