Climate change is increasingly seen as a big public health problem. It extends allergy seasons, spreads communicable diseases, increases the risk of heat stroke, and can even affect the chances of developing diabetes. So how are doctors adapting, and what advice do they have for patients?
This week’s guests include Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez-Fisher, a surgical oncologist who runs a public health clinic with Servicios de la Raza and the Mexican Consulate in Denver. Dr. Gonzalez-Fisher serves a lot of people who work in the construction industry, and he says he advises them on how to avoid heat stroke, skin cancer and other conditions.
Dr. Sheela Mahnke is a pediatrician at Every Child Pediatrics in Thornton. She says all kids deserve access to clean air and water, and she has advocated at the statehouse for policies to reduce the impacts of climate change.
Dr. Bhargavi Chekuri is a family physician and directs the diploma in climate medicine at the University of Colorado. She explains how she trains doctors and other health professionals to adapt to the health challenges posed by changes in the climate.
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