By Meredith Li-Vollmer
Public Health – Seattle & King County

Temperatures this week are expected to rise into the low 90s, with some humidity. To my friends in Los Angeles and New Mexico, that’s scarcely hot enough to raise an eyebrow.

But here in King County, most people don’t have air conditioning, so our local emergency departments see an uptick of people with serious health problems on days like this. Common ailments include heart problems, stroke, and kidney failure, as well as heat stroke.

Many people don’t know that they are at risk for life threatening conditions when the temperatures go up. This includes people who take certain medications or have ongoing health conditions that make it harder for the body to regulate heat.

Anyone over 65 years of age is at higher risk, as are young children, and anyone who works or exercises outdoors.You can also get more information at kingcounty.gov/BeatTheHeat.