Beat the Heat this Summer!

If you have been following our recent features at RocHealthData, you know that we are enjoying summer! We’ve been sharing ways to get outdoors to hike, kayak and camp while also showcasing some of the regions freshest local produce.

However, for many in our region, summer can be a difficult time of year. For those who suffer from asthma, high heat can be dangerous. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) explains that humid air feels harder to breathe and sudden changes in air temperature can trigger an asthma attack. Two common allergens, mold and dust mites, thrive in humidity. If you or a loved one suffers from allergies, the AAFA has helpful tools, such as the Asthma Action Plan. They also recommend getting a personalized daily asthma forecast by visiting Accuweather and selecting “Respiratory” from the drop-down menu. Daily mold and pollen counts can be found at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website.

How does our region compare when it comes to prevalence of asthma and high heat index days? Visit the RocHealthData map room to find out!