Your Body Almanac

Alabama

Long, humid summers, strong sun, and ticks most of the year.

Alabama's risks come mostly from its climate. Humid heat taxes your body's cooling system for months, the sun runs high, and the state is one of a handful where most US spotted fever cases occur. North Alabama also has pockets of high radon potential.

01

Humid heat for much of the year

Alabama summers pair high temperatures with high humidity. Sweat evaporates slowly in damp air, so your body cools less well, and the heat index can be far higher than the thermometer reading. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the risk, especially for outdoor workers, older adults and anyone exercising in the afternoon.

SourcesHeat Index (National Weather Service)About Heat and Your Health (CDC)
Stay safe in the heatAs neededOn hot days, drink water often, take breaks in the shade and plan hard work for the cooler parts of the day. Rehydrate when you sweatAs neededDrink regularly during hot work or long workouts, and add electrolytes when you sweat for more than two hours. Drink water through the dayDailyKeep a water bottle within reach and sip through the day instead of waiting until you are thirsty.
02

Ticks and spotted fever

CDC names Alabama among seven states that account for more than 75 percent of US spotted fever rickettsiosis cases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lone star and Gulf Coast ticks are common across the Southeast. Lone star ticks also spread ehrlichiosis and are linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a red-meat allergy.

SourcesPress Kit — Understanding Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases (CDC)Where Ticks Live (CDC)
Check for ticksAs neededAfter time in grass or woods, check your whole body, shower within two hours and dry your clothes on high heat. Use insect repellentAs neededUse an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin when mosquitoes or ticks are around.
03

Strong sun

The farther south you live, the higher the sun climbs and the stronger its UV rays, and Alabama's UV Index stays high from spring into fall. UV also reflects off water, sand and concrete. Years of exposure add up to skin damage and skin cancer risk.

SourcesSun Safety Monthly Average UV Index (US EPA)UV Index — What Is It? (NOAA Climate Prediction Center)Sun Safety (CDC)
Wear sunscreen every dayDailyPut broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on exposed skin each morning and reapply every two hours outdoors. Wear sun-protective clothingAs neededCover up with a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses and tightly woven long sleeves when you are out in the sun. Check your skin for changesAs neededLook over your whole body on a regular schedule for new spots or moles that change, itch or bleed.
04

Radon in north Alabama

EPA places 13 Alabama counties in Zone 1, its highest radon-potential category. They are in the Tennessee Valley and east-central Alabama, including Madison, Morgan, Limestone, Lauderdale, Calhoun and Talladega counties. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the only way to know your home's level is to test.

SourcesEPA Map of Radon Zones and Supplemental Information (US EPA)Health Risk of Radon (US EPA)
Test your home for radonAs neededRadon is invisible and odorless, so a simple test is the only way to know your level. Fix it at 4 pCi/L or higher.

When to see a professional

See a doctor quickly for fever, headache or rash in the two weeks after a tick bite; spotted fever can turn serious fast and responds to early treatment. Confusion, fainting, or hot skin, whether dry or still sweating, in the heat is an emergency: call 911.