- Wildfires started near Los Angeles on January 7, 2025.
- Thick smoke spread across many parts of the region.
- Many people left their homes and some evacuated.
- Local hospitals prepared for more patients to arrive.
- However, a large in-person surge did not appear.
- Researchers looked at 3.7 million Kaiser members in the region.
- Virtual visits rose for breathing and heart problems after the fires.
- Respiratory virtual visits were 42% higher than expected that week.
Difficult words
- fire — A burning that can damage or destroy.fires
- home — A place where people live.homes
- smoke — Gray or black air from burning.
- quality — How good or bad something is.
- breathing — The act of taking air in and out.
- visit — A time spent with someone, often for help.visits
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you feel about fires in cities?
- Have you ever moved from your home?
- What do you think about virtual health visits?
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