Health
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A new study published in Nature Medicine indicates that rising temperatures are likely to result in an increase in deaths and injuries in the US. Earlier studies have shown that heat waves are associated with increases in violent crimes, falls, and accidents. Other studies have shown increases in drownings and suicides in hot conditions. Hotter…
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Over the years a number of people have asked me if there is a relationship between the weather and body pain. There have been a number of research studies to address this with variable results. A new study published recently points to an increase in chronic pain from arthritis and humid, windy days. Low pressure…
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WebMD posted a story about the likelihood of a “brutal” ragweed season in the next few weeks across the US. Ragweed grows best when temperatures are hot and moisture is plentiful. There has been enough of both earlier in this growing season to cause worries that a large ragweed population may bring lots of pollen…
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This week’s Roadmap question for the Georgia Climate Project focuses on the need for more research on aspects of climate-related health vulnerabilities. This could include both vector-borne diseases like West Nile Virus or Zika and heat-related illnesses. Public health agencies need to know what types of diseases to plan for in the future to help…
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Here is a really interesting article from Weather Underground about the controversy over which weather extreme kills more people. I’ve heard both sides of the story, and now I know why it’s not agreed upon–they are using different databases that count deaths in different ways. How you collect data (any sort, not just deaths) can…
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Self.com posted an interesting story a couple of weeks ago about how cold weather affects your joints and can make them more painful. There are several factors which can lead to painful joints. One theory is that cold conditions make blood retreat to your body core, leading extremities like legs and arms still and so…
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As temperatures continue to rise, people in Georgia will be exposed to more health challenges like tropical diseases, heat-related illnesses, and air and water quality issues. Although all Georgians will feel the impacts of these challenges, the poor, elderly and young will be especially affected. How can we build resilience in healthcare and public health…