Climate influence on health: What patients can do
| Disease area | Climate change consequences | Patient actions |
| Cardiovascular | Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, ischemic heart disease, heart failure Increased risk of heat-related illness during exercise | Avoid going out during midday heat Exercise early in the morning and in the shade Be aware of signs of heat-related illness: eg, heart racing, nausea, headache, muscle cramping |
| Respiratory | Increased potency of allergic inflammatory response Increased asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms and exacerbations | Check air quality index on a weather app or bookmarked website Follow simple measures to improve indoor air quality, such as removing shoes and dusting |
| Infectious | Changing distribution of infectious disease-bearing vectors Increased survival and breeding of disease-bearing vectors | Wear appropriate clothing to reduce skin and hair exposure Be aware of possible disease-bearing ticks and mosquitos in the area, use insect repellent, and check for ticks after being outdoors |