Healthy Living in the Northwoods

Head outside with only a lighHigh winds, changing temperatures, unpredictable precipitation, and seasonal conditions exist as April ends and May arrives in our lives. Humans live in northland communities with many other species preparing to keep balance, support each other and prepare for what comes next.

Rain, snow, snow, hail, and gusty winds have mixed with periods of calm weather in recent days. Overnight low temperatures slowed the melting of ice and snow. Periods of bright sun within increasing day length keep the moving spring’s progression.

Loons, snipe, wigeon, mergansers, geese, swans, teal, blackbirds, grackles, sapsuckers, phoebes, warblers, killdeer, gulls, swallows, kingfishers, herons, woodcocks, cranes, sparrows, hawks and other avians return. Woodpeckers, chickadees, eagles, grouse, nuthatches, foxes, woodchucks, beavers, squirrels, earthworms, raccoons, frogs and snakes begin their 2025 activities. Humans take on spring tasks in anticipation and preparation for spring and summer.

Calendars fill with activity, goals, and measures of desired outcomes for individuals, families, organizations, communities, friends and projects. Everything elbows for a place. Where does time for work, leisure, recreation, relaxation, social engagement, learning, volunteering, civic responsibility, pets, and family events all fit and provide BALANCE.

Experience shows through COVID, flu, injuries, aging, ticks, allergies, and safety precautions that other factors require preparation and support. Looking at the lives of various species of plants and animals living around us, their lives may seem more predictable and routine. We all live in the same environment and experience many of the same things.

So as I have looked at the broad-winged hawk, red-breasted nuthatch, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers and pileated woodpeckers, and garter snakes this past week, what do we have in common. They live in the same environment with the same forests, soils, weather, air quality, and water quality.

In the interest of good health, a balanced life and support of the community, May planning should include learning how the Northwoods Mixed Forests and Lakes Environment provides for its inhabitants. How can I support a healthy climate and pursue healthy living within that environment?

The Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate group has been working with our health care providers to prepare for “When high heat and poor air quality occur in Ely and the surrounding area”. They will be in Ely on May 14, at Grand Ely Lodge from 4:00 to 6:00pm to provide food along with an overview of climate compromised air quality, higher temperatures and wildfire smoke. Area residents are invited to give responses, tell stories, and ask questions about health concerns from climate related conditions. Explore ideas of how clinic and hospital resources are, align to support our health interests and awareness.

Meet neighbors and be part of a plan to join our community for resilience in potential periods of high heat and poor air quality than occurs occasionally and can impact our heath and others.