Big Sam recently found he has high blood pressure. As a school security guard he spends a lot of time walking outside on the grounds, and the school is not far from the highway where there is heavy traffic early in the morning when he gets to school. His doctor explains that recent research shows that higher air pollution contributes to high blood pressure. Sam thinks about his conversations with Jazzy about her asthma and her concern about air pollution and other known asthma triggers found in indoor and outdoor air. He remembers that the meteorologist on the news recommended that people check the daily air quality index online to help them plan activities. Sam decides to start checking air quality daily for his part of the city to see how unhealthy the quality of air is.
Story keywords: air pollution, environmental health, heart disease, high blood pressure
Big Sam is a 40-something security guard at the high school Jazzy and Vito attend. Big Sam is worried about his health and recently found out his blood pressure is high. He covers up his worries with jokes. He lives in the apartment above Miss Georgia.
Meet Jazzy
Jazzy is a cheerful younger high school age girl. She is a cheerleader and does gymnastics. She enjoys spending time with older people and loves to bake with Miss Georgia. She has asthma and works hard to control it so she can enjoy her activities.
Meet Cardi
Cardi is a 30-something aerobics teacher at the community center who loves to help people get more fit and healthy but can be a bit too much “in your face” about it. She means well though!
Meet Vito
Vito is a plays-it-cool older high schooler who is sweet-natured at heart. He plays basketball at the community center and is friends with Jazzy. He loves pop and chips and can’t see why eating all he wants of them is a problem.
Meet Pops
Pops is a retired high school science teacher who loves to keep helping people learn about science and health. He likes to check out what everyone is doing or talking about and step in to give his opinion.
Meet Miss Georgia
Miss Georgia is a fun-loving lady in her 50’s who loves to sing, dance, and bake. She is always helping out at community events. She recently found out she has diabetes, and she is learning new ways to cook.