Breathing Easy: Air Pollution's Hidden Impact on Mental Health
Good mental health is so dependent on many things. It's avoiding exposure to something like air pollution, but it's also about being physically active, getting adequate sleep, staying socially connected, optimizing your nutrition, all those different things.
Ever thought about how the air you breathe might be affecting your mind? In this episode of 'Healthy Mind Matters', host Maria Shilaos chats with Dr. Liz Joy, Senior Medical Director for Wellness and Nutrition at Intermountain Healthcare, about the surprising connection between air pollution and mental health. Dr. Joy sheds light on how bad air quality can do more than just harm your lungs—it can also mess with your mood, sleep, and even lead to cognitive disorders like dementia.
But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. Dr. Joy offers practical tips to help protect your mental wellness, like staying active, eating well, and avoiding outdoor activities when air quality is poor. She also shares specific advice for outdoor workers and pregnant women on how to minimize exposure. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take charge of their mental health in our increasingly polluted world. Tune in and breathe a little easier.