A child at heart, I dislike the idea of staying inside in the summertime, in principle. But on a practical level, I’m grateful that my computer-bound profession allows me to shelter in the air conditioning.
If you need to spend time outside in a heatwave, or you’re determined to enjoy the outdoors, weather be damned, there's a real risk: Every year about 650 people die from heat exhaustion in the U.S., and this summer is another recordbreaker for high temps. NPR spoke with three physicians to learn about common mistakes people make in the heat, and how to be prepared.
For example, don’t go from zero to 60: If you’re going from a mostly air-conditioned indoor life one week to a hiking trip the next, spend short periods in the heat each day before you leave to acclimate your body. And be careful with that post-hike beer – alcohol dehydrates you faster in hot weather.
With all the pressures of raising kids, it makes sense that parents go online to let off steam, and find community. For years now, some “mommy bloggers” and “family influencers” have built brands around sharing their intimate struggles and joys. But what happens to a child when parents share the details of their family life on the internet?
Lou, who's mother wrote about their family in an online forum, says they felt trapped as a kid by their mom’s posts. Peers and teachers at school knew when their parents had been fighting, and adults sent them messages online. Lou says that narrative still follows them as an adult.
Pediatricians have warned about negative effects like identity theft, and some state legislatures are looking at laws that would give adult children more control over their images and the profits parents may make from sharing their stories. Learn more.
Your financial support is the NPR Network's greatest strength. You keep the facts flowing. You bring more stories to more ears. You make a real difference when you contribute to independent, trustworthy media. Please donate today.
“Everything looks normal,” my OB/GYN said, after I’d woken up from surgery. I had painful periods that were keeping me home from work a day or two each month. She and I both suspected endometriosis, a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside of the uterus, attached to places where it doesn’t belong like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bowel. But she had investigated the area and seen no signs of the disease. She referred me to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy.
The thing is, I did have endometriosis – it just took me eleven more years and a specialized surgeon to find and remove it. Seeing multiple doctors and having multiple surgeries – to little or no effect – is sadly routine for patients with this chronic disease, despite the disabling toll it takes on the lives of millions of women around the world. A new PBS documentary, Below the Belt, follows the stories of four women on their journey to understand their symptoms and get effective treatment. The film also documents efforts by activists and legislators like Elizabeth Warren and Orrin Hatch to spread awareness and secure research funding. I spoke with filmmaker Shannon Cohn, who is also a patient activist with the nonprofit Project Endo. Here are 7 takeaways you should know if you have endometriosis, suspect you might have it, or love someone who does.
You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
No comments:
Post a Comment