Podcast Summary
Heatwaves pose significant threats to public health, particularly in equatorial regions: Heatwaves are causing record-breaking temperatures, straining electrical grids, and leading to numerous fatalities, disproportionately affecting equatorial regions and widening health disparities
The extreme heatwaves we're experiencing around the world are not only breaking temperature records but also posing significant threats to public health, particularly in equatorial regions. The heatwaves are causing record-breaking temperatures, putting a strain on electrical grids, and leading to numerous fatalities. For instance, in British Columbia alone, nearly 500 people have died due to the heat. Vijay LeMay, a climate and health scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, emphasizes that the impacts of climate change on public health are highly inequitable and could widen and worsen existing health disparities. It's crucial to remember that behind all the headlines, there are real people who are increasingly in harm's way. Dr. Renee Salas, an emergency medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, reminds us that exposure to extreme heat can lead to various health issues, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The situation calls for urgent action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on public health and reduce health disparities.
Staying Cool in Extreme Heat: Tips from the Experts: Stay hydrated by drinking water, sports drinks, or clear juices. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Expose skin to allow sweat to evaporate. Take cool showers or baths. Protect against the sun with hats and sunglasses.
During extreme heat, it's crucial to keep your body cool to prevent overheating. Dr. Paul Schramm from the Climate Health Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, sports drinks, or clear juices, and avoiding alcohol. He also recommends wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and exposing as much skin as possible to allow sweat to evaporate. If possible, taking a cool shower or bath can help lower your body temperature. Dr. Salas adds that wearing sun hats and sunglasses can also help protect against the sun's heat. In summary, taking care of your body in extreme heat involves staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, and finding ways to cool down when necessary.
Staying Cool During Extreme Heat: Find a cool environment, use fans and natural methods to reduce heat, conserve energy with air conditioning, seek refuge in cooling centers when necessary, and stay informed about heat waves to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
During extreme heat conditions, keeping cool is crucial for maintaining good health. Our bodies can transfer heat to surrounding objects, so finding a cool environment is essential. This could be a shady spot outside or an air-conditioned room indoors. If you don't have access to air conditioning, try to keep your house as cool as possible by covering windows, avoiding using the oven, and using fans to help evaporate sweat. Even with air conditioning, these tips can help reduce energy usage. However, fans will only provide limited relief when temperatures reach the high 90s. For those who are unhoused or unable to stay cool at home, seeking refuge in cooling centers such as community centers, libraries, or businesses is recommended. Unfortunately, heat alerts may not always be issued in a timely manner, so staying informed about any potential heat waves and taking preventative measures is crucial.
Staying Alert to Heat-Related Illnesses: Be aware of heat illnesses' signs and symptoms, cool down if experiencing symptoms, and seek medical help if needed. Heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke, a medical emergency, so prioritize safety in hot conditions.
Heat illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can occur at lower temperatures than we might think, especially as heat waves become more frequent and intense due to climate change. It's crucial to stay informed and proactive about the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. If you experience symptoms such as profuse sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or fainting, cool yourself down immediately and seek medical help. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency characterized by a lack of sweating, redness, and hotness, and potentially confusion or passing out. Both healthy, active individuals and those with body limitations are at risk for heat stroke. Always prioritize your safety and well-being in hot conditions.
Factors increasing susceptibility to heat-related illnesses: Health conditions, medications, work conditions, socioeconomic status, and systemic racism can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Certain individuals are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses due to various factors. These include health conditions and medications that affect the body's ability to regulate temperature. For instance, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and SSRIs are known to increase the risk. Additionally, people who work outside or in hot indoor conditions are more vulnerable. Marginalized groups, including low-income communities, communities of color, the socially isolated, and those with preexisting health problems, are disproportionately affected due to long-standing health and environmental inequities. These groups often have poor health status shaped by social determinants such as income, education, lack of access to healthy foods or physical activity, systemic racism, and lack of affordable health insurance coverage. People living in previously redlined areas are also more exposed to heat. It's crucial to limit physical activity during the hottest part of the day and consult a doctor about medications that may increase heat-related illness risk.
Extreme heat disproportionately affects certain communities, especially those with a history of redlining.: Stay cool, stay informed, know signs of heat-related illnesses, and check on vulnerable neighbors during extreme heat events.
Extreme heat can disproportionately affect certain communities, with areas that were previously redlined experiencing temperatures up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than other parts of the city. It's important to look out for each other, especially during heat waves. Here are some key takeaways to help you stay safe during extreme heat: 1. Keep your body as cool as possible by wearing light, loose clothing, staying hydrated, and finding shade. 2. Stay informed by checking local news for weather updates and information about community resources. 3. Learn to spot the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and know when to seek medical help. 4. Remember that some folks are disproportionately affected by extreme heat, and check on your loved ones and neighbors during heat waves. For more information, listen to NPR's LIFE KIT episodes on preparing for hurricanes and wildfires. And if you have a good tip, leave a voice mail at 202-216-9823 or email a voice memo to lifekit@npr.org. This episode was produced by Audrey Wynne and Dustin DeSoto, with editing by William Troop, Robert Baldwin the 3rd, Rebecca Ramirez, Beck Harlan, Wynn Davis, and David West junior. I'm Sarah McCammon, and this message comes from NPR sponsor Charles Schwab with their original podcast, Choiceology, hosted by Katie Milkman.
Exploring human decision-making through stories from Nobel laureates, authors, athletes, and more on Choiceology podcast: Choiceology podcast offers insights into human behavior and decision-making through intriguing stories from various fields, providing valuable lessons for innovation and creativity.
That our decisions are influenced by various psychological and economic factors, as explored in the podcast "Choiceology." This show features intriguing stories from Nobel laureates, authors, athletes, and more, shedding light on why people make the choices they do. For those interested in innovation and creativity, another podcast recommendation is "How I Built This," where Guy Raz interviews founders of successful companies to share their real-life stories of building their businesses. Both podcasts offer valuable insights into human behavior and decision-making. Don't miss out on these engaging and informative listens. To access the latest episodes of "Choiceology," visit Schwab dot com slash podcast or your preferred podcast platform. For early and ad-free access to "How I Built This," sign up for Wondery Plus. Additionally, be sure to check out FX's "The Veil," an international spy thriller on Hulu, and stay tuned for its premiere on April 30th.
