Weather and Wellness: Forecasting Fall’s Effect on Your Health

Break out your sweaters and grab a pumpkin spice latte (YUCK!) because it's fall, y'all! And guess what? I absolutely dread this time of year. Don’t get me wrong, I do love a good fall festival, and I will always be first in line to get a steaming bowl of delicious Louisiana gumbo. However, fall brings more than cozy scents and crisp mornings. The shift in the seasons may bring a shift in your health as well. Listed below are some 'fall features' that may impact your your body and mind.

Cold Fronts

Image retrieved from weatherandradar.com

Cold fronts are a hallmark of autumn. For many, cold fronts bring the first true relief from a scorching summer, but for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, they can also stir up trouble. In a previous blog post,  I discussed the effects of cold fronts on those with asthma in more detail.

• The sudden temperature drops after a cold front (sometimes 15–20°F in an hour) may result in airway tightening.
• Dewpoints and humidity may fall after a frontal passage, and this dry air may help viruses that cause respiratory illnesses to linger in the air longer.
• Outflow winds from thunderstorms may kick up allergens such as dust, pollen, and mold.
• Note: Cold fronts can exacerbate other chronic conditions as well. The changes in atmospheric pressure after a cold front may trigger migraines in some people.

Ragweed Pollen

Image Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

If you thought that pollen was only an issue in the spring, think again! Ragweed is most prevalent in the fall, and almost 20 percent of the population in the United States is sensitive to ragweed pollen. Exposure to ragweed pollen may result in asthma symptoms, eye irritation, and rhinitis.

Mold on Leaves

Image retrieved via Bing

If you have ever felt sick after raking leaves (or after jumping in a pile of leaves!), you may have been exposed to leaf mold. When leaves pile up and retain moisture, they can quickly become a breeding ground for mold. While some find leaf mold to be beneficial as a compost, inhaling mold spores can result in allergic rhinitis.

Viral Infections

Image retrieved via Bing

As mentioned earlier, the lower humidity that accompanies fall weather may help viruses like those that cause common cold and influenza, to be more easily transported in the air. Gastrointestinal illnesses caused by viruses such as norovirus, usually increase in the fall as people begin to congregate indoors for activities.

Indoor Air Quality

Image retrieved via Bing

As the weather cools, heaters that have been dormant for months are turned on to reduce the chill, fireplaces are lit, and fragrant candles are burned to create a cozy indoor atmosphere. These actions can result in a decrease of indoor air quality and may cause headaches, watery eyes, sneezing, and breathing issues for sensitive individuals.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Image retrieved via Bing

The loss of daylight that occurs during the fall may make some more susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is a form of depression that affects approximately 10 million Americans. Researchers continue to study SAD in order to determine exactly how it occurs, but it is believed that the lack of sunlight in fall and winter leads to a disruption of the body's circadian rhythm and deficiencies in serotonin, melatonin, and Vitamin D. Symptoms can include feelings of sadness and hopelessness, weight gain, and fatigue.

A Few Tips for Staying Healthy During the Fall

• Track weather forecasts and air quality updates
• Monitor pollen and mold exposure
• Consider wearing a mask in populated indoor areas or when raking leaves
• Clean up wet leaves promptly
• Consider purchasing an air purifier
• Limit scented candles or sprays if sensitive
• Stay up to date on vaccinations.
• Stay active and spend time in the daylight, if possible.
• Wash your hands frequently

Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11911648/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/ragweed-allergy

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/thunderstorm-asthma-bad-weather-allergies-and-asthma-attacks-202206222766?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder

Fall Cold Fronts: Friend or Foe to Those Living with Asthma?

 

Note:  I posted this article two years ago on another blog site.  I wanted to share this as it will be relevant to my next "Weather and Wellness Wednesday" entry!  

October 12, 2023

Louisiana was literally on fire this summer as most of the state faced extreme or exceptional drought conditions, and portions of central and southwest Louisiana experienced unprecedented wildfires. 2023 was Baton Rouge’s hottest summer on record with 32 days of temperatures reaching or exceeding 100F. Extremely high daytime temperatures, high overnight temperatures, and poor air quality (due to wildfire smoke and ground level ozone) resulted in health hazards for many Louisiana citizens.

So last week, when the first significant cold front of autumn passed through Louisiana, many welcomed it with open arms because it was forecast to bring cooler weather. In the days following the cold front, temperatures dropped, air quality improved, southeast Louisiana breathed a sigh of relief, and the unmistakable sounds of gumbo pots coming out of hibernation could be heard throughout the state. However, health effects caused by weather can be just as complicated as weather systems themselves! Cold fronts can ease some of the burdens of extreme heat, but they may also cause problems for those who have asthma.

Characteristics of cold fronts that may worsen asthma include:

• Sudden Temperature Changes:   A cold front is a zone between warm air and cold air.  Some cold fronts result in slightly cooler temperatures, but the passage of strong cold fronts can drop temperatures as quickly as 15-20 degrees in an hour!  Extreme temperature changes like these may result in bronchoconstriction- a tightening of the airways- in people living with asthma.
• Decreases in Humidity and Dewpoint:  Relative humidity and dewpoint temperature are measurements used to determine the amount of water vapor in the air.  When cold fronts move through an area, both humidity and dewpoint can fall rapidly, and the air can become very dry.  The dry air ushered in by the cold front that passed through Louisiana on October 6th resulted in a low humidity value of 19% on October 8th in Baton Rouge!  (For comparison, many find that the most comfortable humidity values are between 30% and 50%).  Air this dry can result in inflammation and tightening of the airways, which can lead to asthma attacks.  Additionally, some viruses, fungi, and bacteria may spread more easily in air that is less humid.  Respiratory illnesses caused by microorganisms can be precursors to asthma attacks.
• Strong Winds:  In the fall, grass and weed pollens haunt asthma and allergy sufferers.  When a cold front passes, the winds can become gusty and will typically shift from the southwest to the northeast.  These winds can transport pollen.  Thunderstorms may accompany a strong cold front, and research has shown that dynamics of thunderstorms can cause pollen grains to rupture and become very small. In “thunderstorm asthma”, these pollen grain fragments can be inhaled deep into the lower respiratory tract and result in acute asthma exacerbations.
• Atmospheric Pressure (maybe?):  As a cold front approaches an area, the atmospheric pressure in that area will usually fall (however, it will rise again after the cold front passes).  There has been research to study if atmospheric pressure changes could result in asthma attacks; however more research is needed to determine correlations.  Changes in barometric pressure have been known to affect individuals who suffer with other chronic conditions such as migraines, so relationships between atmospheric pressure and asthma warrant further study.

If you have asthma and are sensitive to the weather changes a cold front may bring, these tips can help you prepare:

1. Follow the forecasts:  Pay attention to weather, air quality, and pollen forecasts from trusted sources such as the National Weather Service, your local broadcast meteorologists, and airnow.gov .
2. Review your asthma action plan:  Your asthma action plan will help you to assess your symptoms and will guide the medical treatments/actions you should take to prevent asthma symptoms from worsening.
3. Carry quick acting medications:  Weather changes can cause asthma symptoms to flare suddenly.  If your doctor has prescribed a quick acting asthma medication, such as an albuterol inhaler, be sure to carry it with you at all times.
4. Dress appropriately:  On the day of a frontal passage, you may need to wear short sleeves in the morning, and wear a thick jacket later that afternoon!  Wearing a mask or scarf may protect you from breathing in cold, dry air.
5. Talk to your healthcare provider:   Be sure to tell your doctor and respiratory care team if the passage of cold fronts causes your asthma symptoms to flare.  Your healthcare providers may adjust your medicine to ensure that you stay healthy when the weather changes.

Are cold fronts hazardous to your health?  Do you take any special precautions when a cold front moves through?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Weather and Wellness: Preparedness- A Caregiver's Story

 

In December 2023, I participated in my commencement ceremony at Mississippi State University. I had received a Master’s degree in Environmental Geosciences, and it was one of the proudest moments of my life! My 82 year old father insisted on joining me for the trek from Monroe, LA to Starkville, MS despite his growing mobility challenges.

Having him there meant the world to me. Yet, as we made the trip, I noticed that he looked a bit gaunt, moved slower than usual, and seemed quite a bit more fragile than I had noticed before. I told myself it was just the toll of a long car ride. Even though I could tell something was off, my dad is very stubborn, and even offered to drive part of the way himself, though I quickly shut that idea down!

Fast forward to January 2024: my father suffered a seizure after driving to pick up his sister from dialysis. I rushed from Baton Rouge to Monroe, an over 3 hour drive, and was worried about what condition he would be in when I arrived. At the hospital, doctors told me his blood glucose had gone over 600! It turns out that my dad had been neglecting monitoring his glucose levels and wasn’t taking his medication as prescribed.

That medical crisis changed everything. After a long hospital stay and a new diagnosis of congestive heart failure, my dad was discharged to a nursing rehabilitation facility. Overnight, his life shifted from him living independently, cooking meals, and driving himself around to depending on a Rollator for mobility, taking more than 25 pills a day, and needing assistance with basic care.

As a daughter, the transition was heartbreaking. As an emergency preparedness manager, it was eye-opening. I had spent years promoting preparedness to my work colleagues through emails and to the public by attending outreach fairs to remind families to “make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed.” But now the “what-if” mindset that had always served me professionally became a source of constant worry.

• What if a storm knocks out power and my dad can’t refrigerate his insulin?

• What if he falls in the dark during a blackout?

• What if exposure to heat triggers a diabetic emergency?

Preparedness for older adults and medically vulnerable loved ones requires more than a flashlight and bottled water. It calls for extensive planning for medical continuity and support. A few examples include:

• Redundant power sources for phones, medical devices, and glucose monitors

• Medical alert systems that notify caregivers of falls or power outages

• Pre-packed go-bags with medicines, snacks, and emergency contacts

• Insulin travel cases that keep medicine cool without electricity

• Accessible communication tools for one-touch calling

• Extra batteries for blood pressure cuffs and mobility aids

Watching someone who once cared for everyone else become dependent on others can be jarring. My dad has been doing a bit better lately, but still needs a high level of care. My dad and I both adjusting to the new reality of me serving as a caregiver and him having to depend on me for things he once could easily handle on his own. 

With National Preparedness Month coming to a close on September 30th, I acknowledge the caregivers across this country. Caregiver preparedness efforts can be overwhelming and stressful at times, but it is a meaningful way to protect those we love. It means working with healthcare providers, community agencies, and support networks to ensure that our loved ones are safe not just during disasters, but in everyday life. 

If you are a caregiver, here are a few resources to guide your planning:

https://www.ready.gov/caregivers

https://www.ready.gov/older-adults

https://www.cdc.gov/disability-emergency-preparedness/people-with-disabilities/index.html

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/older-adults.html?srsltid=AfmBOor0y0ld4XLcDCMk5E7H7HWpgflzwk6r3XgAtetmMGKrfXTK-MNm

https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dpqi/cdpb/Documents/DisasterPrepChronicDisease.pdf

Weather & Wellness (Special Friday Edition): Rising Waters-Understanding Flood Types and Health Impacts

Earlier this month, devastating flooding in Texas resulted in the deaths of 135 people. As of today’s posting (7/18/25), 100 people are still missing. Videos of the flooding revealed entire homes being swept away in the swollen Guadalupe River. Unfortunately, additional flooding events have occurred in New Mexico, New York and Kansas. This week’s special Friday edition of the Weather and Wellness Wednesdays blog will explore the common types of flooding, the impacts of flooding on health, and what we can do to stay aware and prepared.

Flooding Statistics

https://www.weather.gov/hazstat

Flooding is the #2 weather-related killer in the United States, and is second only to extreme heat. There were 145 flood related fatalities in the United States in 2024. The state with the highest number of deaths in 2024 was North Carolina, and many of those deaths can be attributed to the widespread flooding from Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

Types of Flooding

Flooding can occur in any area, can have a rapid onset, or creep up over weeks.  In hurricane prone areas, you will sometimes hear the phrase “If you’ve been through one hurricane...you’ve been through one hurricane”.  That means that the next hurricane you experience may be a different size, a different strength, and may bring different hazards. The same is true for flooding, as it is never a “one-size-fits-all” event.  Listed below are a few common types of flooding.

Flash Floods

Flash floods are defined as flooding that begins within 6 hours of heavy rainfall, or sudden dam/levee failure. Urban areas with poor drainage and areas with steep terrain can be vulnerable to flash floods. The National Weather Services issues flood products ranging from flood watches to flash flood emergencies to the alert the public of flooding dangers.

River (Fluvial) Flooding

This type of flooding occurs when rivers overflow due to prolonged rain or melting snow. In my state of Louisiana, you may be surprised to know that emergency managers keep a close eye on weather in the northern and midwestern states during the winter. Why? Because the Ohio River Basin alone contributes nearly 60% of the water in the Mississippi River, so snowy winters or heavy spring rainfall far away can raise the flood risk here at home in the spring.

In August 2016, a “tropical adjacent” storm system resulted in some areas of southeast Louisiana receiving nearly 30 inches of rain. Rivers in the area became overwhelmed, and backwater flooding from the river tributaries caused record flooding in the area.

Coastal Flooding

Coastal flooding occurs when normally dry, low-lying land is submerged due to seawater intrusion. This type of flooding can result from storm surge from tropical cyclones, extremely high tides such as “king tides”, or sea level rise. According to NOAAs Office of Coastal Management, almost 129 million people or 40% of the US population live in coastal communities, so coastal flooding is a growing concern as the number of residents moving to coastal areas increases.

"King Tide" flooding in Miami Beach, FL: https://www.wlrn.org/environment/2014-09-29/october-king-tide-brings-trove-of-data-for-sea-level-threat-in-miami-beach

Health Impacts of Flooding

Flood Safety

While we can’t prevent flooding from occurring, we can take steps to mitigate loss of life and property. 

1.  Know Your Flood Risk: You can find flood maps at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center webpage or from your city, county/parish, or state emergency management website. Coastal communities can also find hurricane evacuation zone maps on their local emergency management websites. 

2.  Fortify Your Home: Websites such as Flash.org from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) and https://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/family_home/home/lahouse from the LaHouse Research and Education Center provide tips and resources for homeowners. 

3.  Stay Alert: Have multiple ways to receive flood warnings. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio which has battery backup in case of a power outage. Make sure that Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are enabled on your smartphone. WEAs are location-based messages that are sent to your phone by authorized government authorities. 

4.  Turn Around, Don't Drown! Never drive into a flooded roadway because there is no way to accurately judge the depth of the water. Pay attention to road-signs indicating flood-prone areas, and be cautious when driving in heavy rain, especially at night. 

5.  Practice Safe Mold Clean-up: Wear an N95 or another appropriate respirator while cleaning moldy areas. If you use bleach to clean, use no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. If you have asthma, COPD, or if you are immune-compromised, you should not stay in a moldy home, or even be present while clean-up is occurring. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/clean-up.html for additional mold clean-up information. 

6.  Reach Out: If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed due to flooding or the threat of flooding, reach out to a behavioral health professional for help. One resource is the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

Have you experienced extreme flooding in your area or have flooding resources that you would like to share? Please share in the comments below.