Heart Health & Air Pollution
February is American Heart month and health officials are offering tips to keep your lungs healthy by reducing exposure to Ozone.
Ozone is air pollution that forms when emissions from motor vehicles, power plants, industrial solvents, and other sources react together.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) research shows that air pollution can trigger heart attacks, strokes and worsen heart conditions, in people who have heart disease. One in three Americans have heart disease.
Air Quality Index forecasts for more than 400 cities are available on a forecast map through a free Air-Now app for iPhone and Android phones or at the Air Now website. The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is the system used to warn the public when air pollution is dangerous.
In addition to the AQI, the St. Clair County Health Department in partnership with Memorial Hospital, the American Lung Association and Channel 4 St. Louis KMOV-TV provide daily ozone reports from May through September. Just call 618-257-6265 to find out the daily ozone report in St. Clair County.
Ozone can present health problems for those suffering from heart disease, but with a few simple steps you can decrease exposure.
On orange or red Air Quality Days, take the following precautions:
- Take the bus or MetroLink or carpool
- Limit idling
- Bring your lunch to work
- Reduce driving; walk or bike for exercise
- Keep your engine well-tuned
- Conserve energy, use a ceiling fan, turn off lights Buy energy-efficient electronics and appliances
For more information about services provided by the St. Clair County Health Department, visit our website.
North Bay Produce Welcomes Largest Single Day Shipment Yet at MidAmerica
250,000 lbs of Blueberries From South America Arrive in on Two Separate Flights from South America Dec. 9
MASCOUTAH, ILL., December 10, 2013 . . . North Bay Produce, Inc. today announced the largest international air shipment of produce yet to land at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport was received on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 at its newly expanded facility at the airport. This shipment continues air cargo movements through MidAmerica on the emerging trade lane between the Americas and Asia. Recently, North Bay Produce expanded its footprint at MidAmerica from 36,000 sq. ft. to 53,000 sq. ft., paving the way for its operations there to handle the larger shipments. North Bay’s facility also was recently certified as a cold treatment facility by the USDA, which enables North Bay to store fruit at 32 degrees Fahrenheit for 11 days under the supervision of the USDA for the mitigation of unwanted pests.
“MidAmerica Fresh” Joint Resolution Signed
Visit by Ningbo Officials Strengthens Partnership On Route Coordination and Development
Click HERE for the Full PDF Version
Mascoutah, IL, Nov. 21, 2013… MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) and Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB) made public today a November 14, 2013 Joint Resolution agreement outlining authorization for licensing of the “MidAmerica FreshTM” trademark to shippers of products from MidAmerica to Ningbo, China. The agreement states both parties will “jointly select and license the use of the “MidAmerica FreshTM” to “importers, distributors and retailers in the Peoples Republic of China.” This is another significant step in establishing the unique perishable air commerce trade route between both airports.
With this agreement MidAmerica’s partner in China will ensure the property rights to the trademark are enforced and that all products with the licensed trademark are ones that have been handled on the new trade route linking MidAmerica and China. That trade route is characterized by a closed perishable processing air cargo route aimed specifically at establishing controlled temperature handling and transportation between both airports to connect American fresh product shipments to China. The US trademark is registered with The China Trade Mark Office.
Consulting Team Hired for Scott Air Force Base Retention & Expansion
Edwardsville, Illinois – The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois today announced that former U.S. Representative Jerry Costello and retired USAF General Duncan McNabb are among a team of consultants retained to support the regional task force formed earlier this year to ensure that Scott Air Force Base continues to thrive and expand despite anticipated future reductions in defense spending and service reorganizations. Smith Dawson & Andrews, a Washington, D.C. government relations firm, will complete the team supporting the Scott Air Force Base and Southwestern Illinois Defense Assets Retention and Expansion Task Force.