Hopefully the weather will be warming up soon, so now is a good time to think about inspecting and cleaning your winter sweaters.

You will want to inspect your sweaters for holes or snags.  If you find holes try to discern if the damage is from a tear or snag

Or from an insect. If it looks like insect damage then you will want to check the sweater very closely for more holes. You can do

This by holding it up to a light and looking through the sweater for thin or damaged areas.

Look for stains or soil and point out to your local dry cleaner and concerns you may have. Now is a good time to ask your

Cleaner if they de-pill your sweater as a service for their customers.

Once again I am very excited to announce that this July I will be joining the American Lung Association in Washington’s Climb for Clean Air, hosted by renowned mountaineer, Lou Whittaker. That’s right, I will be attempting to climb the 14,410 ft summit of Mount Rainier!

I have been very lucky to be involved with the American Lung Association of Washington since 2006, my first successful summit of Mt. Rainier. I really believe in what they stand for and are accomplishing for our great state. And what better way to raise awareness than to climb the most iconic peak in the west! There is no better way to stay healthy, support a great cause, and in the end make some lifelong friends. Not to mention being able to pal around with Lou Whittaker, and other climbing greats!

This is where I need your help. Your contribution will help the American Lung Association’s mission to:

  • Prevent lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis. Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States each year.
  • Reduce tobacco use, especially among young people, that is responsible for one in five deaths in the U.S. each year.  Tobacco is responsible for more deaths than cocaine, heroin, alcohol, homicide, suicide, traffic accidents, fires, and AIDS, combined.  As a parent, this mission of the ALA is particularly important to me!

How can you help?  Make a tax-deductible donation to support the ALA Climb For Clean Air!

My suggested donation:

One penny ($.01) for each foot I climb, or $144.10 total to reach the summit of 14,410 feet!

Of course, all donations of any amount, large or small are greatly appreciated!  The easiest way to donate is online. Visit the Climb For Clean Air website at www.climbforcleanair.com, click on “Search for a Participant” and type in my name (Michael Erstad).  You can also donate by cash or check, given directly to me, or you can send a check made out to the American Lung Association in Washington