With day two of hazy skies upon us, residents are reminded to keep outdoor activity to a minimum if possible.

Lead Medical Health Officer for Calgary Zone, Dr. David Strong with Alberta Health Services says levels were above 10 on the air quality scale on Friday May 31.

He says that means folks could see a rise in certain symptoms.

"Those who are very young, seniors or people with chronic health conditions would be at very high risk of health effects from the smoke. Smoke is an irritant so it can cause irritation to your airways which can lead to exasperation of people with existing lung problems or cardiovascular problems."

Strong says young children are more at risk due to the size of their airways.

"Small children have very small airways so they can get irritated very quickly and that causes coughing and congesting."

Closing windows, and avoiding the smoke seems like it's the newest summer tradition here in Alberta, leaving many curious as to the long term effects of the haze.

Strong says, while researchers are looking into that, there's no real evidence either way.

"There is research looking at this but there isn't really conclusive evidence either way as to the long term effects of prolonged smoke exposure from wildfire.  So I think the evidence says that we're still waiting to actually get good evidence as to what the long term effects if there are any, might be.  We certainly know the short term effects though."

If you or someone you know is have major health issues from the smoke, or has pre-existing conditions and is worried about the effect this could have on their health, Strong says don't hesitate to call Health Link.

"So somebody with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) They'll get worsening of shortness of breath, but usually people that suffer with those type of things they would have usually had a strategy worked out with their family doctor as to what to do in those situations.  If they don't or if what they're doing isn't working they can call 8-1-1 and talk to a registered nurse about what they should do next."

Suggestions for coping with the thick hazy air are to stay inside, turn on purifiers or air conditioning and limit outdoor physical activity.