What are the extreme heat health risks?
How can you stay healthy in the moment?

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​Exposure to high daytime heat can be dangerous, especially the longer you’re in it and the more active you are. Engaging in vigorous physical activity or simply working outdoors when it’s in the 90’s or triple digits puts us at risk from heat stress – both heat exhaustion and heat stroke. (Learn about the difference - and why it matters - here.)
 
Everyone is at risk when it is HOT, but especially young children, the elderly, pregnant people, and those with chronic pre-existing conditions (respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc.). Extreme heat can kill - both directly via heat stroke, and indirectly via increased risks of heart attack and stroke - especially when those with pre-existing conditions encounter high temperatures.
Reads & Resources
Common medications interact differently with heat: some become less effective, while some may actually interfere with the body's cooling abilities. 
Learn more via this helpful article from Yale Climate Connections or by clicking the infographic below.
​What else can you do?

  • ​​​​Spend time in water, like the Clark Fork River, one of the city's splash parks, set up a sprinkler, or take a cool shower. Water is our friend, do stay hydrated. 

  • Wear loose fitting light clothes and a hat!

  • Prolonged heat also makes many of us grumpy.  We can get agitated, depressed, and quick to anger. You've probably seen this in babies, kids, adults, even yourself. If we can help one another stay cool, we can enjoy Montana summers just a little more gracefully. Learn more about Climate and Mental Health.

  • There are lots of great resources for health risks and what to do. Check out OSHA or CA.

  • Please remember to check in on your neighbors, especially if they are older or have disabilities that may make it harder for them to stay cool. 

  • Curious about the science behind increased heat? Head to our page on Local Impacts.

​​​Be sure to check the weather so you know if extreme heat events are headed our way.
​You can even download a cool app for your phone.