Spring Is In ☘️ March 2023   Spring is In...☘️🐇🫁 MARC MY WORDS: Thoughts from Breathe SoCal's President & CEO Spring is in… The spring equinox on March 19th marks the official first day of Spring, although most of us felt the seasons shift when daylight saving time went into effect and our evenings began to stay lighter later. Besides being the first month of Spring, March is also Women's History Month, where we recognize trailblazers who have made our world a healthier place. These include Rachel Carson and Wangari Maathai. Carson is credited with launching the modern environmental movement with her groundbreaking 1962 book, "Silent Spring." Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977 to plant trees across Kenya in order to alleviate poverty, because she felt there is a connection between environmental degradation and poverty and conflict. Their work, like the work of many, many other incredible women who have boldy moved the needle in the fields of science, health, environmental justice, and activism, has helped us take better care of our earth, which has helped us improve public health. While Carson and Maathai are icons heralded for spearheading great change, we cannot ignore the voices of everyday workers, educators, and mothers. The sisters, students, farmworkers, and the women working in nonprofits, they are all on the front lines making our communities better places to live. As we enter Spring, we also must contend with that pesky pollen... While most people are more accustomed to knowing about ragweed and grass pollen, those are not creating problems right now. You see, late winter and early spring are the season for tree allergies. Yes, tree! Some trees start releasing their pollen as early as January, while others continue their onslaught into summer. About 100 of the more than 50,000 tree species cause allergies. Northern and Southern Californians are typically hit the hardest by springtime tree allergies. Birch, elm, cedar, cypress, pine and olive trees are common triggers in the northern part of the state while ash, oak, sycamore, walnut, and mulberry are often the most triggering in Southern California. Tree pollen happens to be dry and lightweight, so it can travel great distances in the wind. And it sure has been windy lately, which is why you may have been experiencing a lot of sneezing and itching recently, let alone asthma flare-ups. Here's hoping the winds of change carry with them a little luck of the Irish, and plenty of good health for all. Marc Carrel President & CEO The Air Women Breathes Matters Did you know that women are more vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality? Air pollution can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, two of women’s leading causes of death...Plus air pollution can contain heavy metals and pesticides. which can effect our endocrine system, which controls our hormones. When it comes to lung health, Women who live in areas with high levels of air pollution are more likely to develop respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The disproportionate impact of air pollution on women is not just a health issue but also a social justice issue. Women who are exposed to high levels of air pollution are often those who are already marginalized and disadvantaged in other ways. For example, low-income women and women of color are more likely to live in areas with high levels of air pollution due to systemic inequalities that limit their access to safe and healthy living conditions. We can make a difference by supporting clean air policies, reducing our own personal emissions, and speaking out about the importance of air quality. The importance of women's health everywhere. Women Leading the Charge in Lung Health SURVEY SAYS! TAKE SURVEY Attention Santa Ana! We're seeking Volunteers! Saturday, MARCH 23rd, BlueSkyLA is coming to you! We are partnering with CRECE Urban Farms for a morning of composting, learning of soil care, and planting! We can't wait to see you there! Together we can build and plant a new future. ☘️🦋🌏🫶🏼 REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER Breathe Southern California is helping our communities Breathe Easier™. Your support is critical in our work to fight lung disease and promote clean air. Please make a lifesaving gift today! DONATE!! Don't be a stranger, stay in touch. Here's how:   Breathe Southern California | 5858 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!