Your Body Almanac

Georgia

Humid heat, strong sun, southern ticks and radon around Atlanta.

Georgia's long, humid summers and strong sun are the everyday wear. Ticks are active much of the year, and four metro Atlanta counties are in EPA's highest radon-potential zone.

01

Humid summer heat

Georgia's humidity keeps sweat from evaporating, so the heat index runs well above the air temperature. Heat exhaustion can come on during ordinary yard work or a midday run.

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

Strong sun

The southern sun climbs high, and UV runs strong from spring into fall. It reflects off water and sand at the coast and lakes. Skin damage adds up over years.

SourcesSun Safety Monthly Average UV Index (US EPA)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.
03

Southern ticks

Lone star ticks are common across the South and spread ehrlichiosis; they are also linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a red-meat allergy. Gulf Coast ticks, found mainly in the Southeast, carry a form of spotted fever.

SourcesWhere Ticks Live (CDC)About Alpha-gal Syndrome (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.
04

Radon in metro Atlanta

EPA places four Georgia counties in Zone 1, its highest radon-potential category, and all four are in metro Atlanta: Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and a home test is the only way to know your level.

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.