July 11, 2024 | 2 min read

Protecting the most vulnerable from heat-related illnesses 

By Joanna Cohen, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When caring for patients during heat waves, healthcare professionals should be aware of social determinants of health—like no air conditioning at home. Clinicians should know the available resources to recommend, such as cooling centers within the communities they serve. 

October 24, 2024 | 2 min read

The heat is on: How to keep patients cool and safe 

Rising temperatures due to climate change affect patients of all ages, particularly those with chronic health conditions. Counsel patients on strategies to prevent heat-related medical complications. 

September 9, 2021 | 2 min read

Advising Patients About Heat-Related Illness

By Shaista Ahmed, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Many heat-related illnesses are preventable. Advise patients to avoid going outdoors in peak heat hours, drink plenty of fluids, and know where cooling centers are in their community.

September 12, 2019 | 3 min read

Connecting climate change to patient care (archives, 2019)

Healthcare professionals must confront the health threats posed by climate change. To safeguard the health of all humanity, we should take a leadership role in addressing this critical issue.

July 21, 2021 | 2 min read

Talking With Patients About Safe Summer Swimming

By Jade Cobern, MD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Swimming is a summertime joy, but it is not without risk. Before patients take the plunge, they should be reminded to always swim with a buddy (never alone) and to apply sunscreen.

January 30, 2023 | 2 min read

What to Know About Cryotherapy

By Alexis Coslick, DO, MS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Cryotherapy is being touted as a “cure-all” to enhance health and well-being. It may be helpful in treating some acute injuries, but will not “fix” all health concerns. 

October 21, 2019 | 4 min read

Stepping Up to Climate Change

By Evans Brown, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The climate crisis is directly relevant to our work in healthcare. Healthcare professionals must step up and get involved.

April 14, 2022 | 4 min read

Talking About Climate Change With Patients

By Dean Chien, CLOSLER team, Baltimore, Maryland

Climate change affects the health of everyone. When talking with patients about climate change, meet them where they are and listen nonjudgmentally. 

October 28, 2020 | 1 min read

Preventing Dry Eye in the Zoom Era

By Sharon Solomon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Increased online activities during the pandemic has caused higher rates of dry eye for many. All clinicians should encourage their patients to take regular short breaks from screens.

August 20, 2019 | 5 min read

How to Make Family Dinner Happen at Least Once a Week

By David Cohen, MD, Rutgers Health, Mital Patel-Cohen, MD, Summit Medical Group

Excellent clinicians have to make time for wellness and family bonding. Prioritizing a family dinner at least once a week is one way to do this.

July 11, 2019 | 7 min read

June Art Museum Challenge

By Flora Smyth Zahra, MA Clin Ed, DRestDent RCS, FHEA, Kings College London, Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Art captures both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of human lives throughout history, and offers insights into how to heal ourselves and one another.

February 25, 2025 | 3 min read

The weight of autonomy

Respecting patient autonomy means honoring their decisions even when they go against clinicians' medical judgment.

February 6, 2025 | 2 min read

Code blue 

By Ursula Gately, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Extreme heat often dominates the climate change conversation, however the dangers of extreme cold may be more perilous. Support patients, particularly those who are unhoused or with housing insecurity, by making sure they know about local warming shelters and advising them to limit exposure to the elements. 

August 5, 2024 | 3 min read

Sunscreen under siege 

There are many myths circulating on social media about the dangers of sunscreen. Clinicians should ask patients if they have heard any of these and remind them that SPF products are essential to protect from UV damage.  

July 31, 2018 | 3 min read

Waste Not, Want Not!

By Wilma Ferthler, MD, Rural Country Doctor, Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

Keeping meat properly refrigerated is critical. Don’t forget to specifically ask patients if they have eaten roadkill if they present with diarrhea (especially in summer) & no other obvious source of infection is apparent.