Publications by authors named "Z S Wettstein"
Article Synopsis
- Increased ambient temperatures from climate change significantly affect individuals with kidney failure, particularly those on hemodialysis, heightening concerns about their resilience to heat.
- A study analyzing dialysis patients from 2011 to 2016 found that high temperatures correlate with increased mortality risks and more frequent health care visits due to fluid and cardiovascular issues.
- The findings indicate a cumulative effect of heat exposure over several days, with greater health impacts noted in specific U.S. climate regions.
Importance: Wildfires, intensified by climate change, have known effects on physical health but their effects on mental health are less well characterized. It has been hypothesized that the residential proximity to a large wildfire can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions as evidenced by increased prescriptions of psychotropic medications.
Objective: To evaluate the association between the occurrence of large wildfires and the prescription rates of psychotropic medications immediately following the start of the fire.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the impact of extreme heat events (EHEs) on emergency department (ED) operations and hospital admissions, focusing on data from Seattle-area hospitals during the 2021 heat dome.
- The analysis found a significant increase in daily ED visits (21.7) and unplanned hospitalizations (9.9) during the heat event, along with notable ED crowding and a delay in patient processing times.
- Older patients, females, and those with pre-existing diabetes were identified as having a higher risk for heat-related illnesses during this time.
An overwhelming body of evidence points to an inextricable link between race and health disparities in the United States. Although race is best understood as a social construct, its role in health outcomes has historically been attributed to increasingly debunked theories of underlying biological and genetic differences across races. Recently, growing calls for health equity and social justice have raised awareness of the impact of implicit bias and structural racism on social determinants of health, healthcare quality, and ultimately, health outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHeat is a dangerous hazard that causes acute heat illness, chronic disease exacerbations, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and a range of injuries. Risks are highest during extreme heat events (EHEs), which challenge the capacity of health systems and other critical infrastructure. EHEs are becoming more frequent and severe, and climate change is driving an increasing proportion of heat-related mortality, necessitating more investment in health protection.
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