June 21, 2024 – Staying safe during extreme heat—temperatures exceeding 90 degrees—requires a keen awareness of the dangers posed by hot weather, emphasizes Gaurab Basu from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Basu, who serves as the director of education and policy at Harvard Chan’s Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment (Harvard Chan C-CHANGE) and is also a primary care physician, shared essential tips for preventing heat-related health issues in a June 19 article in the Boston Globe.
“Awareness is paramount,” Basu stated. “We need to recognize that hot weather can significantly affect our health.”
The article highlighted that extreme heat is the top cause of weather-related fatalities in the U.S., with heat waves expected to grow longer and more severe due to climate change. Basu pointed out that communities of color and low-income areas are disproportionately affected by heat. Other high-risk groups include infants, seniors over 65, pregnant individuals, athletes, outdoor workers, and those with chronic conditions like asthma or COPD.
To stay safe during extreme heat, Basu recommended the following measures:
- Stay hydrated. If your urine is dark, drink 2–3 glasses of water.
- Take baths or showers, use a wet towel on your skin, or spray yourself with water while using a fan.
- Visit a cooling center.
- Avoid alcohol, sugary, or caffeinated drinks.
- Consume easy-to-digest foods like salads or fruits.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities if possible.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing instead of dark clothes.
- Use sunscreen and wear hats.
For detailed information on staying safe during extreme heat, refer to the toolkits created by C-CHANGE and Americares, which Basu recommends to patients and colleagues.
Basu has also discussed the health risks of extreme heat in various media outlets, including ABC News and the Times of India.
Read the Boston Globe article: How to tell if you are dehydrated in the extreme heat
Watch the ABC News clip: Extreme heat and the danger to your health
Read the Times of India article: ‘Heatwave health impacts can be life-threatening—adjust your activities to help your body cope’
Photo: iStock/Photodjo
