August 2020 PSA: Extreme Heat

Extreme Heat: Hot Weather Can Be Deadly

Although Minnesotans live in a cold weather state, the summer heat can significantly impact our health. Heat events - prolonged periods of hot weather - cause more deaths than any other natural disaster.

Hot weather can increase your core body temperature, making it difficult for your body to function normally. This can be demanding on your body and lead to heat-related illnesses and even death.

Heat-related illness encompasses many health problems such as: dehydration, heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, that occur when the body becomes too hot and cannot cool down adequately. Heat also can worsen existing chronic conditions such as: diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory conditions.

MAPA recommends these resources for further information:

• MN Department of Health

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• National Safety Council