Extreme heat has been breaking records across Europe, Asia and North America, with millions of people sweltering in heat and humidity well above “normal” for days on end. Death Valley hit a temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit (53.3 degrees Celsius) on July 16, 2023 – not quite the world’s hottest day on record, but close. […]
5 min read
Because of climate change, summers are getting hotter and more humid – much more humid. SciLine interviewed Dr. W. Larry Kenney, professor of physiology and kinesiology at Penn State University, who discussed why humid heat can be dangerous to human health and, in some cases, life-threatening; how heat stresses the body, particularly the cardiovascular system; […]
5 min read
As a primary care physician who often treats patients with heat-related illnesses, I know all too well how heat waves create spikes in hospitalizations and deaths related to “severe nonexertional hyperthermia,” or what most people call “heat stroke.” Heat stroke is when a person’s core body temperature rises too high – often more than 104 […]
3 min read
Over one million Americans faint every year, and countless more do worldwide. Fear, pain, the sight of blood or prolonged standing – think the long lines of summer travel – can trigger fainting. These triggers set off a reflex in our nervous system that cause our hearts to paradoxically slow instead of speed up, and […]
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Our furry best friends are just as susceptible to summer hazards like heat stroke, insect bites, dehydration, and even sunburns. Protect your pet this season by getting informed. Here are 12 summer safety tips for pets!
8 min read
To get better informed on the topic and learn how to stay safe this summer, here is a look at what to know about dehydration, including the causes, risk factors, and potential complications.
6 min read