11/13/2025
As the seasons shift in Nova Scotia, cooler weather brings cozy evenings, wood stoves, and time spent indoors — but it can also mean air quality challenges that impact your health. 🍂❄️
Smoke from fireplaces, poor ventilation, and lingering damp air can aggravate breathing conditions like asthma or COPD. Even if you don’t have a diagnosed respiratory issue, dry, cold air can irritate your lungs, trigger coughs, and make it easier for viruses to spread.
Your lungs feel it first — but the right habits can help you breathe easier all season long:
🔥 If you use a wood stove or fireplace, make sure it’s properly ventilated and cleaned annually.
🌬️ Use a humidifier to combat dry indoor air (aim for 40–50% humidity).
🏠 Replace furnace and air filters regularly to reduce dust, smoke, and allergens.
😷 Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) on windy or smoky days and limit outdoor exposure if needed.
🚶♀️ Bundle up and get gentle exercise outdoors when air quality and weather allow — fresh air still matters!
At Bluenose Health, we’re seeing more patients with cold-weather respiratory concerns, especially during heating season. Whether it’s asthma management, lingering coughs, or preventive care, our team is here to help you stay healthy through the colder months.
Breathe well, stay warm, and take care of those lungs this season. 💙