SPECIAL REPORT: EXTREME HEAT AND HUMAN HEALTH
Extreme heat is a clear and present danger to physical and mental health, now and increasingly into the future. In this multi-part Special Report, Wise & Well writers physicians,research scientists, mental health experts and journalists — get beyond the news to delve deeply into several aspects of heat’s effects on the human condition, from the obvious to theunexpected. Over the next two weeks, you’ll also learn ways the problem can be mitigated at the societal level, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.
THE DAY A TREE HUGGED ME
The very first photograph my mother gave me was one where she was standing under a glorious Moreton Bay Fig tree and I was cradled, a newborn, in her arms. During all the years I have treasured that image I never thought to ask, “Who took the photo?” I just assumed it had been my father because he was the only other human being who truly understood how it felt to love a tree as much as he loved those nearest and dearest to him. I believe it was my father who began a personal tradition of visiting the tree every year on his birthday.
STILL DROWNING
I tried to give my sorrow to the wind. The breeze told me my gift was too heavy a burden to carry for eternity and flung a bunch of leaves at my feet. What a good role model the wind is. The sand preached humility. It pointed to one of its tiny grains shining in the midday frenzy of the life-giving, killer ball burning over my head full of anguish. I’m smaller than that crystal speck compared to the beach, to say nothing of the cosmos.