Written by Bridget Brown, MPH, RN
A slow, deep breath of clean air is good advice during times of stress or anxiety. Many of us have likely heard this recommendation. Our breath can be a powerful informant to our bodies. A full and slow inhale and exhale reassures the body that there is no threat to safety and the sympathetic nervous system, better known as the “fight or flight” system can relax. Breaths that are slow and fully expand the lungs activate the rest and digest functions of the parasympathetic nervous system. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner student, I have learned that this technique is something providers first teach patients who are experiencing psychological distress and debilitating anxiety. It is a simple, free, and accessible intervention that doesn’t require a prescription- and most importantly – it works.
Yet, what will health providers tell patients when the air isn’t clean? The tool we love to equip our patients with no longer feels advisable when the air may be hazardous to health. A technique that is wonderfully effective and available becomes less appealing when the air contains dangerous pollutants. Air pollution, like what is emitted from tailpipes,not only causes damage to the respiratory system, but may also become absorbed into the blood stream, affect organs, and impair cognitive functioning. It is a frightening prospect that the mere act of taking a deep breath can have negative health consequences if the air is contaminated with particulates.
Clean air is embraced as a desirable aspect of community life and often a topic on which all residents can agree is important. I’m proud that our community of Augusta, will be rolling out its first 5 electric buses in pursuit of this goal this fall. A federal grant bestowed in 2022 made the investment possible and Augusta Transit will add an additional 6 buses in 2027. Infrastructure development necessary to support this endeavor such as charging stations has already been completed.
The movement away from fossil fuel burning buses that emit deadly tail pipe exhaust is one step in our goal of cleaner air. This pursuit is important because the effects of poor air quality are evident in places where our residents seek medical care.
Not only have I seen higher rates of severe respiratory distress than earlier in my career, but also higher rates of anxiety over the future. People are nervous about the health of the planet and the effects on their current or future family members. My impulse is to offer compassionate reassurance and to recommend a calming deep breath. My hope is that this is still good advice.
– Bridget Brown, MPH, RN
