Thomas Motyka, DO

Climate Change and Patient Health: What Physicians Can Do

by Thomas Motyka, DO

January 31, 2025

As physicians, we’re no strangers to tackling the big issues that affect our patients—hypertension, diabetes, and, yes, that confounding rash no one can figure out. But today, let’s talk about climate change: an elephant in the room looming larger than ever. It’s not just about polar bears and melting glaciers anymore; it’s a direct threat to our patients' health, and it’s time we make it part of the conversation in our exam rooms.

Why, you ask, should we venture into this daunting territory? Because the evidence is clear: climate change already impacts human health in ways we can no longer ignore. Rising temperatures, fires, poor air quality, extreme weather events, and changing patterns of infectious diseases are just a few of the culprits wreaking havoc on public health. The Lancet Countdown’s 2023 report tells us that “climate change is the greatest global health threat of the 21st century.” So, what role can we play in educating our patients and helping them navigate these challenges? Quite a significant one, it turns out.

Connecting the Dots Between Climate and Health

Please start with the basics: help patients understand how climate change impacts their health. Rising temperatures and heat waves increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations such as older adults, those with chronic conditions, and outdoor workers. Poor air quality—driven by wildfires and the release of pollutants—exacerbates respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. And let’s not forget about vector-borne diseases; longer summers mean longer breeding seasons for ticks and mosquitoes, spreading Lyme disease and dengue fever into new areas.

This isn’t doom-and-gloom rhetoric; it’s what’s happening now. For instance, the CDC has reported significant increases in emergency department visits during heat waves, particularly for cardiovascular and renal diseases. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged air pollution—much of it linked to climate change—as one of the most significant environmental risks to health globally. Patients often hear about these issues in the news but may not grasp how they connect to their well-being. That’s where we come in.

Bring Climate into the Exam Room—Gently

As much as we’d love to dive into the finer points of greenhouse gas emissions with our patients, let’s keep it practical. Tailor the conversation to their specific health concerns. For example:

  • Asthma Patients: Discuss how poor air quality and high pollen counts can trigger symptoms worsened by climate change. Please encourage them to monitor air quality indexes and adjust outdoor activities accordingly.
  • Cardiac Patients: Explain that extreme heat stresses the cardiovascular system and provide tips for staying cool and hydrated.
  • Parents: Highlight the increased prevalence of vector-borne illnesses and offer guidance on protective measures, such as tick checks and insect repellent.

The key is to make the information actionable and relevant without overwhelming them. As always, a little humor and humanity go a long way. “If mosquitoes are suddenly enjoying year-round vacations in our neighborhood, it’s time we learn how to crash their party,” might elicit a chuckle while delivering an important message.

Empower Patients to Take Action

Knowledge is power, but action is empowerment. Encourage patients to take steps that benefit both their health and the planet. Here are some practical suggestions:

  • Consider a Plant-Forward Diet: Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that reducing meat consumption lowers greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Who knew eating more kale could save lives and icebergs?
  • Use Active Transportation: When feasible, suggest walking or biking. This reduces carbon footprint and is excellent for cardiovascular health. Remind them that every step counts—literally and figuratively.
  • Move towards Energy Efficiency: Small changes at home, like using energy-efficient appliances or reducing energy waste, help the planet and can lower utility bills—a win-win for families.

Remember to advocate for systemic changes. Civically engaged patients can join efforts to push for policies that promote clean air, renewable energy, and green infrastructure. For actionable ideas, point them to reputable resources like the Citizens' Climate Lobby or the Environmental Protection Agency’s community programs.

Lead by Example

Finally, walk the talk. If we encourage our patients to make eco-friendly choices, we should aim to do the same in our practices. Consider adopting sustainable practices like reducing waste, transitioning to electronic records, or hosting a community event focused on environmental health education. Patients notice when their doctors take a stand—and they respect it.

The Bigger Picture

Addressing climate change in the context of health is about more than just protecting our patients from its immediate effects. It’s about creating a culture of awareness and resilience. It’s about ensuring that future generations inherit a livable planet and a healthcare system prepared to meet the challenges ahead.

So, let’s seize this moment to educate, inspire, and lead. After all, as osteopathic internists, we’re trained to look at the whole picture—body, mind, and spirit. Why not include the environment, too? The stakes and the potential for meaningful impact couldn't be higher. Climate change may be the challenge of our era, but with a dose of science, compassion, and a touch of wit, we’re well-equipped to rise to it. 

Note: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of ACOI.

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