What's the biggest health threat of the 21st century? Climate change, says a recent report from the Lancet medical journal and University College London. "We're already starting to see some health effects," notes George Luber, PhD, of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here, a few problems that are heating up -- and the small steps that can help you stay well.
- Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
After a 2003 heat wave in Europe killed thousands, researchers said that greenhouse gas emissions made a repeat likely. And experts recently reported that nighttime temperatures across the United States have been unusually high for the past eight years. Our bodies are particularly stressed by heat when there's no relief at night.
Protect yourself: If a heat wave crashes the power grid (not uncommon when everyone has the AC on), be sure to drink extra water. If you feel dizzy or nauseated (signs of heat exhaustion), immediately sponge yourself with cool water.
- More Sneezing and Wheezing
Extra CO2 has spurred some ragweed varieties to produce up to 90 percent more pollen; other allergy-triggering plants are busier too.
Protect yourself: Get into the habit of rinsing your sinuses each morning, suggests allergy specialist Neil Kao, MD -- it's an easy way to reduce your exposure to pollen. Dr. Kao simply sniffs a handful of water up each nostril while in the shower; drugstores also carry neti pots made for this purpose.
- Bigger Lyme Territory
Milder winters are increasing the range of the Lyme-carrying deer tick, all the way to Eastern Canada, where the disease was once rare.
Protect yourself: Even if infestation in your area hasn't previously been high, regularly rake leaves and create a three-foot-wide gravel or wood-chip barrier between your lawn and any woods; use DEET spray to keep ticks off your skin and clothing.
From 
Del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
TwitThis
Advertisement 
feeds instead
