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News from Grossmont Healthcare District
The Grossmont Healthcare District, a public agency that serves San Diego’s East County region with health-related community programs and services, has issued a precautionary air quality health advisory for East County residents affected by this week’s wildfires.
According to the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), exposure to smoke may cause respiratory problems to East County residents in at-risk groups, including infants and small children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with heart or lung conditions, especially those with asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Exposure to smoke can result in eye irritation, tears, cough and runny nose.
Residents with heart or lung disease are advised to limit time spent outdoors as much as possible, and limit prolonged or heavy exertion if the air is hazy from falling ash or if the smell of smoke is present. If you have symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness, contact your healthcare provider.
“We advise that you are cautious to your health risks, be alert to changes in weather conditions and use common sense to protect your family’s health,” said Dr. John Hardebeck, GHD 2007 board president. A retired physician, Dr. Hardebeck was an original medical staff member at Grossmont Hospital when it opened in 1955. He has served on the Grossmont Healthcare District board of directors since 2000.
The Grossmont Healthcare District is governed by a five-member board of directors, each elected to four-year terms, who represent nearly 500,000 people residing within the District's 750 square miles in San Diego's East County. Formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, the District serves as serves as landlord of the hospital, including ownership of the property and buildings on behalf of local taxpayers. For more information about GHD, visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org
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