How Climate Change is Affecting Our Health
Climate change is frequently talked about in terms of rising seas, extreme storms, and ecosystems in flux. However, one of the most urgent stories is how shifting weather and environmental conditions are intensifying the health risks for people who already live with chronic medical conditions. According to the EPA, chronic conditions requiring ongoing medical attention or limiting daily activities make some adults especially vulnerable to climate-driven harms. Environmental Protection Agency
Why People with Chronic Conditions Are at Greater Risk
The EPA outlines multiple reasons why someone with a chronic illness may face disproportionate risk:
- Their underlying health condition may make them less resilient to new stressors like extreme heat, poor air quality, or infectious diseases.
- Many depend on continuous care, medications or therapies, which can be disrupted by power outages, infrastructure damage or evacuations during climate-driven extreme weather.
- Some medications used to treat chronic illnesses can interfere with the body’s ability to respond to heat or fluid imbalances, for instance.
- People with chronic mental health conditions may face added risk from disrupted support networks, trauma from extreme weather, or decreased access to care.
In short, climate change is not just an environmental issue, it’s a public health issue that amplifies existing vulnerabilities.
What can we do to protect people from the impacts of climate change? First thing’s first, we must understand the risks to people and stay up to date on health trends to be proactive. Monitor the air quality before you leave your home. If the air quality is poor, try to limit your outdoor exposure. High temperatures can also affect how medical devices perform. The safest temperature range for your portable oxygen concentrators, such as Precision Medical’s POC, is between 60- and 70-degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature before planning to spend a lot of time outdoors with your POC. Learn more about the heat and portable oxygen concentrators in this article.
