07/18/2026
Saturday Thoughts: Breathing Easy When the Air Isn't
For many of us living with limb loss, we spend a lot of time thinking about our mobility, skin health, and staying active. This week, with wildfire smoke affecting much of eastern Ontario, it may also be time to think about something we often take for granted: the air we breathe.
Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles called PM2.5 that can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Poor air quality has been linked to increased risks of heart and lung problems, fatigue, headaches, and reduced exercise tolerance.
Why does this matter for amputees?
Many people with limb loss already work harder to walk than people with two biological limbs. Research has shown that individuals with lower-limb amputation often use more energy during walking, especially those with above-knee amputations. When air quality is poor, the body may have to work even harder to supply oxygen during activity. That can translate into feeling more tired, short of breath, or less steady than usual.
A few practical tips for smoky days:
🌫️ Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) before heading out.
🏠 Move exercise indoors when air quality is poor.
💧 Stay hydrated. Smoke exposure can irritate airways and contribute to fatigue.
🚶 Listen to your body. If your usual walk feels harder than normal, there is no prize for pushing through.
😷 Consider a well-fitted N95 mask if you must spend extended time outdoors.
❤️ Pay particular attention if you have heart disease, asthma, COPD, or are an older adult, as these conditions can increase sensitivity to wildfire smoke.
Most importantly, remember that staying active is still important. Sometimes the smartest exercise decision is knowing when to scale back, move indoors, and wait for cleaner air.
As amputees, we are experts at adaptation. Wildfire smoke is just one more reminder that resilience is not about pushing harder. Often, it is about adjusting wisely to the conditions around us.
