CME | From Heat Waves to Health Risks: Climate Change in Primary Care
About this episode
The episode discusses the impact of climate change on patient health and family medicine practices, highlighting various health risks and strategies for physicians.
In this episode of CME On the Go, our hosts discuss how changing climate and weather patterns are already affecting patient health and family medicine practice. They examine the health consequences associated with extreme heat, worsening air quality, wildfire smoke, longer pollen seasons, expanding vector-borne diseases, food and water insecurity and climate-related mental health concerns. They also highlight how these effects can compound existing cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and pregnancy-related risks, particularly among older adults, children, outdoor workers and historically marginalized communities. The hosts offer practical strategies family physicians can use to prepare their practices and protect patients, including broadening clinical differentials, discussing heat safety and hydration, helping patients monitor air quality, recommending appropriate protection from smoke and insects and identifying patients who may lack access to cooling or other essential resources. They also explore opportunities for community advocacy, climate resilience and sustainable changes within medical practices. Learning objectives Identify climate‑related environmental changes that…
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