Media Advisory

CDC director discusses Extreme Heat Awareness with Atlanta area school students

No one should die from a heat wave.  But every year, extreme temperatures kills an average of 675 people in the United States more than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods combined. Extreme heat affects everyone, but children, the elderly, the poor or homeless, people who work or exercise outdoors, and those with chronic medical conditions are most at risk.

Throughout the week of May 20th CDC will feature new information and updates on the impact of heat related illness nationally; climate change and health, there will be a special focus on student athletes and health during Extreme Heat Awareness Week.   CDC will begin the weeklong observance by hosting 12 students from Henry County’s Flippen’s Elementary and Eagle’s Landing Middle Schools.  Of the students participating in the event, three students from Flippen Elementary School in McDonough, will be recognized for an innovative product they created, COOL Pads designed to help student athletes maintain a safe body temperature during practice and while competing on the football field. /p>

Dr. Frieden and staff from CDC’s National Center of Environmental Health with meet with the students to discuss heat awareness as well as to recognize their achievements in science and health.

Who

Students from Henry County’s Flippens Elementary and Eagle’s Landing Middle School

What

Visit with CDC Director Tom Frieden and staff of the National Center for Environmental Health

When

Monday, May 20, 2013, from 10 am – 12:30 p.m. (EDT)

Background

In April, President Obama hosted the White House Science Fair, the students, Evan Jackson (10), Alec Jackson (8), and Caleb Robinson (8), were among hundreds of students from more than 40 states that were honored and recognized for their achievements in science.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/04/22/new-details-president-obama-host-white-house-science-fair).  In addition to the White House honor, the team was the  Grade K – 3 Regional Winner of the 2012 Toshiba and National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision competition: (http://www.exploravision.org/winners/regional-winners-2013.php).

Extreme heat can lead to very high body temperatures, brain and organ damage, and even death. Even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.  

For more information on: CDC.gov/extreme heat

###
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES