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Heat-Related Illnesses

Your health, climate change, and heat-related illnesses

Click the blue links to access educational and community resources for further information.

Providers and patients: The information below can be downloaded and printed in English and Spanish from the links below.  Each download also contains a QR code for access to live links.

Did you know?

Climate change increases Earth’s temperature. Cities are warmer compared to neighboring towns due to steel buildings, concrete, and paved roadways absorbing heat. Hot temperatures impact children’s physical and mental health and their ability to learn in school. Signs of heat-related health effects include feeling dizziness, dehydration, headaches, muscle cramps, difficulty focusing, increased irritability, and more.

Action plan

  • Dress for success: Wear protective clothes (light-colored clothing, hats, sunglasses, SPF-lined)
  • Protect your skin: Wear sunscreen SPF > 30, (reapply at least every two hours and after swimming/sweating).
  • Limit exposure: Avoid outdoor activity during peak sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and seek out shaded areas.
  • Be prepared: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and take breaks often/
  • Be aware of symptoms of heat-related illness (headaches, muscle cramps, fevers, excessive sweating, dizziness, or confusion) and seek medical attention.
  • Take care of each other:
    • Check in on neighbors, elderly, etc. 
    • Engage in your local community to create and spread awareness of cooling centers.

Community resources

  • Assess your risk by learning about the heat index and symptoms of heat-related illness.
  • Search for and visit cooling centers in your local community.
  • Learn more about ways to prepare and be safe during extreme heat (12 languages available).