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Looking for Clean Air?

Are you on the lookout for clean air?

If you're like most Americans, the air you breathe probably isn't something you give much thought to.

The American Lung Association released some interesting statistics based on their 2012 State of the Air report:
- Almost half of all Americans (41%) live in counties that have unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution
- Over 6 million people live in areas with unhealthy levels of year-round particle pollution
- One in six people live in areas with unhealthy levels of short-term particle pollution

What does this mean to you? Well, if you live in one of the affected areas, you may have experienced times when it was difficult to breathe. And if you suffer from asthma or COPD, breathing can be difficult enough without added pollutants.

Is there anything that can be done to help improve these statistics?

The American Lung Association recommends:
- Driving less: take advantage of public transportation, bike, or walk places since vehicle emissions account for a large part of air pollution
- Use less electricity: use energy efficient appliances and turn lights off when leaving the room since generating electricity is one of the biggest sources of air pollution
- Don't burn wood/trash: dispose of waste properly since burning releases many particles into the air; if you want to have a fire, use natural gas which has far fewer pollutants
- Send a message to local representatives: let your Congressmen, Assemblymen, Senators, Governors, and Mayors know that you support the Clean Air Act and want healthier, cleaner air to breathe

You can download the 2012 State of the Air report here to read their full findings.
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Sleep Apnea- Test Yourself

Closed Airway Obstructive Sleep ApneaIf you think you or someone you know may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or another sleep breathing disorder, there are several simple tests you can take. Be sure to always discuss your concerns with your health care provider.

One of the best tests may be a complaint by your bed partner that you snore loudly or stop breathing repeatedly while you're asleep. Findings recently presented at CHEST 2012 (the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians) showed that being elbowed or poked by a bed partner while sleeping was a good indicator of having OSA.

Three tests that you can take right now are the American Sleep Apnea Association's Snore Score, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Berlin Sleep Questionnaire.

If you have any questions regarding your results, please contact your physician or one of our Respiratory Therapists at 716.667.9600. CPAP can change your life!
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