If You Have One of These Health Conditions, Take Extra Care in the Heat

This summer is off to a very hot start, including the smoke from the Canadian wildfires and some of the hottest days in Earth’s modern history. 

As our planet heats up, the health burden won’t be shared equally. Factors such as what country someone lives in, how much money they have and whether they live with any health conditions all play a role in the impact. 

Here’s a look at some health conditions, ranging from skin conditions to mental health, that can be aggravated by high temperatures, and what you can do this summer to protect yourself. 

As always, you should consult your doctor or call 911 if you’re in distress or are having a hard time breathing. Also, it’s helpful to know the symptoms of heatstroke or whether it’s heat exhaustion, which typically occurs before heatstroke begins.

Respiratory conditions 

People with health conditions that affect the lungs or airway, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more affected by the heat. If you have a respiratory condition, pay attention to air quality alerts in your area and limit your time outside on…