Walking is considered the number one way to lose weight, postpone aging, and provide  a host of other benefits.  But some days, it  could be hazardous to your health .  As an example, I decided to walk in the park on a Saturday afternoon. The tennis courts were full. A baseball game was taking place.  There were few places left where you could sit on a blanket and enjoy some peace and quiet.    The  roads were lined with parked cars and a constant stream of traffic.   Every shelter was filled with people using the barbecue pits. Consequently, the air was hazy  with smoke.  I found a parking place and set out to walk.  All of a sudden, I felt dizzy and a bit shaky.  My throat burned, and my eyes itched.  Therefore, I turned around and walked back to my car.  I hadn’t even done a mile. Warning! A walk outside may be unhealthy.

Back home that day, I felt a bit disgusted with myself.  Why had I given up on my walk? Was I becoming a wimp?  I picked up my new iPhone, and looked at the weather app.  Scrolling down, I noticed something that had never really interested me before: Air Quality Index.  That day, it was a high 154.  Consequently, this  meant that walking outside  was bad for  almost everyone, but especially sensitive people.   At my age, I guess I fit into that category.  As a result,  walking in the park  had not been a good idea. However,  I could have walked in the mall if I wanted the exercise. .  But who wants to walk inside on a sunny day?

Much to my relief, I checked the air quality index today, and it was back down to a good 30. However it’s  raining.  Maybe it will clear up this afternoon.   It’s  depressing to realize that many of my walks during the past few years have actually been bad for my health.  From now on,  I won’t walk in the park until after I’ve checked the air quality.

 Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases suspended in the air. These  can come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mold spores, volcanoes and wildfires.

Poor air quality may cause the following  health symptoms in sensitive people:

. Headache

. Fatigue

. Shortness of breath

. Sinus congestion

. Coughing

. Sneezing

. Dizziness

.Nausea

Be sure to check the air quality index before walking in the park.  You’re not a wimp if you decide to stay inside  that day.