~from the City of Knoxville Office of Neighborhood Empowerment

Heat is the No. 1 weather-related cause of death. Heat can also have numerous effects on health.

We often think first about heat exhaustion or heat stroke, but, per Cedars-Sinai.org, high temperatures exacerbate many chronic health conditions including asthma, COPD, Multiple Sclerosis, autoimmune conditions, migraines, and can even have negative effects on mental health.

You can boost your resilience to heat by drinking plenty of water before and during time outside, looking for shaded areas if you need to be outside, using a handheld fan or water mister, and packing ice packs in a cooler to take with you.

If you are interested in learning more about heat in Knoxville, its affect on our neighbors, and the community survey and mapping campaigns being conducted this summer, visit heatequity.utk.edu or contact Emily Norris at enorri10@vols.utk.edu.