Teri Vance: Beating summer heat — and smoke

I’m not telling you anything you don’t know when I say it’s smoky out there. My mascara is permanently running because my eyes are watering — and I don’t have it nearly as bad as some people.

I’ve heard of people suffering from respiratory conditions and other smoke-related ailments.

Not to mention the bleak quality of life when the scenery is all blotted out by a gray haze, and it seems to make the heat even more oppressive.

Before I get too caught up in my complaining, I do think it’s important to recognize we’re lucky none of the fires are close to home. I also want to express gratitude to all of the firefighters and first responders who are battling the blazes and treating survivors and to honor those who’ve lost lives.

As bad as we have it, as always, it could be much worse.

I checked in with Carson City Health and Human Services for some tips to stay safe and found suggestions to “avoid outdoor activities, set air conditioner to ‘recirculate,’ call your medical provider for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain and nausea.”

You can find more information at GetHealthyCarsonCity.org.

I also turned to social media to see what people are doing to escape the heat and smoke, and get recommendations for staying healthy.

Ernie Mayhorn had some straightforward advice: “Leaving town!”

I saw on Jeff Moser’s Facebook page where he and his family did just that. He said the smoke dissipated somewhere around Austin when heading east.

Traci Hare had the opposite instinct.

“Turning down the air conditioning to 50 and hibernating,” she said.

Some recommended staying in and drinking or getting high. I’m not advocating for either one, but you’re free to make your own choices ...

Craig Skinner suggested, “Drink lots and lots of water, keep your lungs clear with hot tea, pineapple, steaming apple cider vinegar and lots of vitamin C.”

Janet Chick Baker is taking the time to turn her attention to her “crafting, writing my book and playing with my fur baby PD.”

Along those same lines, Paula Callan is spending time helping her pregnant daughter-in-law make a quilt for the new baby. However, she was finding more obstacles than the smoke.

“It’s really hard for me to sit down and let someone else do the sewing though,” she confessed.

When it comes to kids, Amy Seifert recommended Xbox Kinect games.

“Yes they’re video games and some people might want to limit their kids’ screen time, but at least they’re active games to get kids moving,” she said.

Sena Loyd, director of the Carson City Library, urged patrons to visit and to bring their children.

Going to CarsonCityLibrary.org will show a list of classes and activities happening there this week and beyond.

Cindy Salanoa said she’s been keeping her kids inside.

“Some reading, some math, some creative time, and video games or movies,” she said. “Sometimes dollar bowling.”

She said the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada has been good for her smaller kids and the indoor go-cart racetrack Carson Raceway is good for her older children. However, she would like to see more venues for all ages.

“I wish Carson had more kid friendly things to do indoors,” she said.

Dan Thrift argued there may be a silver plume amid all this smoke.

“Boredom can be a good thing,” he said. “It inspires imagination.”

Teri Vance is a journalist, freelance writer and native Nevadan. Contact her with column ideas at terivance@rocketmail.com.