Presented by Elizabeth Cerceo, MD, FACP, FHM
Chair, Physician Engagement and Women in Medicine
Cooper University Health Care

Associate Professor, Division of Hospital Medicine; Associate Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency Director, Climate Health and Director, Medical Humanities
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

The frequency, duration, and intensity of heat waves in the United States have increased in recent decades, causing significant physical and mental health impacts. Extreme heat kills more people on average (approximately 600 deaths per year in the United States) than hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and lightning combined. (CDC)

Health risks from heat include cardiovascular events, respiratory conditions, kidney disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, increased anxiety and depression, increased suicidality, and aggressive behavior and violence. Vulnerable populations at highest risk, such as older populations, members of marginalized racial or ethnic groups, persons with low socioeconomic status, and those with coexisting conditions especially need support during extreme heat with adaptation strategies.

This presentation provides an overview of heat-related illness, how to treat and manage these patients, and reviews tools from NJ and nationally.