Keeping Up With The Changing Weather

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Patient education is a low cost, high yield ways for nurses to improve climate-related health outcomes

Focus on teaching about personal resilience. Personalize it while also keeping it evidence-based 

Teach patients about taking precautions in extreme weather, avoiding exacerbation triggers and identifying exacerbations early and managing those exacerbations 

[28]

Help vulnerable populations learn to see themselves as at risk for the complications of severe weather so they understand the need to prepare [20]

Patients with chronic diseases tend to experiences in their care during extreme weather, causing a lack of access to medications and increased hospital admissions, so good preparation can minimize the impact of those disruptions [29]

The Air Quality Index (AQI) indicates how much particulate matter is in the air, the higher the number, the more particulate matter; more particulate matter is associated with higher risk for respiratory dysfunction especially in vulnerable populations (children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with cardiovascular disease). 

Vulnerable populations should stay indoors when the AQI is high and avoid intense or prolonged exertion outside during high AQI days.

There are multiple ways to monitor the AQI: mobile applications, local weather stations, and maintaining awareness of wildfires and extreme weather.

Symptoms related to air pollution include phlegm, shortness of breath, and chest tightness 

[27]

Sudden changes in heat are hard to adapt to due to the lack of time available to adapt [31]

Air conditioning and moving to a cool location are the most protective actions against heat.

Teach patients to be mindful of electrolyte balance: increased water intake alone can lead to low sodium.

Safety point: showers and baths, while cooling, can lead to increased fall risk.

[27]

Find a heatwave early warning system to learn about risk and suggested protective actions [15]

Find a cooling center (air conditioning is the number one protective factor against extreme heat)

Stay hydrated

Find drinking fountains, swimming pools, or spray pads

[15]

Open windows during the coolest part of the day, close them during the hottest part of the day

If no air conditioning, find a cooled building to stay in for 2-3 hours per day

[32]