Fall Arizona heatwave can negatively impact mental health
PHOENIX (AZFamily)—The prolonged heatwave at the end of September looks like it will last right into October, and the extreme heat can impact not only our physical health but also our mental health.
With fall activities in full swing during the weekend, people expected temperatures cooler than 110 degrees.
It feels more like the middle of summer than the end of September.
Dr. Shad Marvasti says people need to pay attention to this heat wave.
“Change their mindset and say we are getting into October now. It shouldn’t be this hot and they’re going to act like it’s not that hot, but it is that hot,” he said. “Someone who is tired of dealing with it and it’s impacting their mood to someone else who may have an underlying health condition who’s elderly where they actually are at risk of getting dehydrated to the point they get into the hospital.”
Dr. Marvasti says this can impact our sleep, moods, and anxiety. The heat can make it tougher to sleep.
People can become depressed or angry easier during extreme heatwaves.
He says people with underlying health conditions could be impacted the most as well as older Arizonans.
He says it’s important to stay hydrated and avoid the heat in the afternoon. Treat the next week like it’s summer.
“113 in September is the same as 113 in June,” Dr. Marvasti said.
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