We’ve all been talking about heat a lot lately. Although our community hasn’t normally seen the extremes other parts of the country see, we are starting to see more extreme heat events. This shift in weather means we need to have a shift in our way of thinking. There are many small changes we can make to beat the heat.
You may be hearing more about a veterinary tranquilizer called xylazine lately. Use of this dangerous drug is increasing throughout the country. It is important for our community to be aware of what it is and how we can keep members in our community safe.
In June of 2021, a heat wave hit the Pacific Northwest causing record breaking temperatures and the deaths of 19 of our neighbors in Spokane County. The event revealed the need for our area to prepare for extreme heat, especially since summers are getting warmer in the Inland Northwest. Spokane Regional Health District is excited to work with Gonzaga University’s Climate Center as they help our community do just that through their Beat the Heat initiative.
It’s Smoke Ready Week! We know it came a little late for our friends on the East Coast, but the smoke they’re experiencing is an important reminder of why it’s good to have a plan for when our air quality becomes a problem. Call a family meeting! It’s time to make a smoke ready plan for your household.
It might still be spring, but our community is already experiencing summer temperatures! While the warmer weather can encourage us all to get back outdoors and enjoy our favorite recreational activities like running, hiking, biking, or swimming, it's also important to be mindful of heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, that can affect anyone this time of year. Let's talk about ways we can protect our health as we head into summer and continue to enjoy all this beautiful spring weather!
