The following is a summary of a story that originally appeared on School of Nursing .
"A heat advisory is more than a weather update; it's a public health warning."
That's the message Duke University School of Nursing's Valerie K. Sabol wants to get across as summer temperatures rise.
Sabol and nurses like her witness the effects of extreme heat firsthand - ranging from dehydration to heat exhaustion and even death. Sabol is also director of planetary health at the school.
With the ten warmest years on record all occurring since 2015, heat waves are lasting longer and intensifying.
Those with underlying conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory illnesses, are particularly vulnerable because their bodies must work harder to regulate temperature.
Others are also at risk. Older adults may not feel thirsty, infants rely entirely on caregivers to stay cool, and outdoor workers endure prolonged exposure. Pregnant women and young athletes also face higher risks, especially when early symptoms, such as dizziness or fatigue, are ignored.
Heat exhaustion can start with sweating, nausea, or weakness but without intervention, it can result in heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency marked by confusion, fainting, or dangerously high body temperature. Recognizing these warning signs and acting quickly can save lives.
Particularly for at-risk populations, prevention is essential. Staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity to cooler parts of the day, and seeking air-conditioned spaces or cooling centers can significantly reduce risk. Preparing for power outages and checking in on neighbors, especially older adults or those living alone, can make a difference during prolonged heat waves.
Sabol's advice: "Check the forecast, plan ahead, review medications, and check in on each other so you can stay cool and enjoy the summer."
To learn more about who is at risk and what you can do to protect yourself, see the full story on the School of Nursing.
