As heat continues to rise across the nation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Weather Service have teamed up to monitor its impact on our health through a new tool called HeatRisk. This seven-day heat forecast provides valuable information that can help individuals stay safe and protect their well-being.
The HeatRisk tool assigns levels of risk, ranging from 0 to 4, color-coded from green to magenta. At the lowest level of 0 or green, heat levels are minimal or non-existent. However, at the highest level of 4 or magenta, heat can be extremely dangerous for individuals, health systems, and heat-sensitive industries. The tool also offers important information on local air quality and guidance for clinicians on how to protect those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, such as pregnant women, children with asthma, and individuals with cardiovascular diseases.
As a journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV’s HealthWatch segment, Dr. Mallika Marshall is no stranger to keeping people informed about health issues. Board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, she practices at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital where she currently treats patients with COVID-19. In addition to her work as a physician and journalist, Dr. Marshall is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications. Her expertise in both fields makes her an ideal person to report on the HeatRisk tool and its importance in keeping us informed about the dangers of extreme heat.