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What We Need to Know about Environmental Conditions Affecting Our Health

In many parts of the country, extreme weather has made it a very challenging year especially for older adults and people suffering from many chronic health conditions including asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Not only have areas experienced record-setting heat waves but many have also had to deal with poor air quality due to wild fires, to the point of people asking themselves, if it is safe to go outside. 

Extreme hot temperatures can be deadly as recently reported by the Harvard Medical Publishing website. They report on disturbing statistics showing more than “a third of all heat-related deaths in the US and worldwide have been attributed to climate change. In the US alone, heat is responsible for an estimated 5,600 deaths annually.” 

Smoke from wildfires has been widespread and can irritate the eyes and lungs, and worsen some medical conditions. The Oregon Smoke Information site says, “People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant women.” 

Doctors say people taking certain medications such as diuretics as well as the elderly have to be careful about retaining adequate fluids in their body during periods of extreme heat. High temperatures can rob the body of essential minerals in the blood called electrolytes and can be especially dangerous for people with heart or kidney disease and diabetes. Records from Medicare report hospital admissions during heat waves of two or more days are most often the result of “heat stroke, sunstroke, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and acute kidney failure.”

Dehydration and exposure to high temperatures can cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. The Mayo Clinic says symptoms include heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, rapid pulse, and muscle cramps. 

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Source: 

health.harvard.edu/blog/extreme-heat-staying-safe-if-you-have-health-issues-202108062563


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