Ways to Safeguard Your Health Against Climate Change’s Effects

Climate change is a reality that impacts our well-being. Changes in weather not only affect the environment but also have direct and indirect effects on our health. Whether it’s extreme heat waves or unexpected drops in temperature, our bodies struggle to adapt to these rapid shifts.

As doctors assess their patients, climate change is now considered a significant risk factor for various conditions. Dr. Ravi Gaur, Founder & Director of DRG Path Labs in New Delhi and Chairman of Unipath Specialty Laboratories in Ahmedabad, explains, “Our bodies acclimate to a particular climate and seasonal transitions. However, recent disturbances in the climate and environment, such as prolonged summers and sudden temperature drops due to unexpected rain, confuse our bodies and impact our health.”

Weather changes pose challenges to our immune and musculoskeletal systems. Fluctuating temperatures create favorable conditions for the proliferation of viruses, leading to the spread of contagious diseases.

Climate change is no longer a distant issue. It directly affects our health and well-being, with certain regions experiencing the greatest impact. Dr. Aniket Mule, a consultant in internal medicine at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road, states, “Rising temperatures can lead to a loss of 50 to 58 hours of sleep per year. This lack of sleep can have long-term consequences. Additionally, rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns can create environments conducive to the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue.”

Warmer temperatures contribute to ozone pollution, also known as smog, which exacerbates asthma and other chronic respiratory disorders. Ozone pollution can also trigger asthma attacks.

Dr. Mule adds, “Warmer temperatures also lead to increased pollen production by plants, causing allergies to worsen and allergy seasons to lengthen.”

Common health conditions that can be triggered by sudden changes in weather include upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, seasonal asthma and bronchitis, diarrhea, muscle aches, dengue, and malaria.

While using air conditioning may provide temporary relief, it is crucial to prioritize natural environments over artificial ones. Strengthening our immunity is key to coping with changing weather conditions. Dr. Gaur advises, “Hydrate well, get adequate sleep, practice meditation and stress management techniques, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet to boost your immunity and protect yourself from the adverse effects of climate change.”