Understanding Heat Illness

Youth Heat Monitoring Results

The November 18th meeting kicked-off with a dive deep into the results of last month's heat monitoring activity. Cesar Estien from Second Nature presented the findings, which confirmed what many had suspected: impervious surfaces like pavement trap heat, – increasing temperatures – while tree and shaded areas have a cooling effect. 

These maps show the average temperature, amount of vegetation (NDVI), impervious surface, and canopy cover in Southwest Santa Rosa. The maps provide data-driven evidence to corroborate the lived experience and knowledge of Southwest Santa Rosa residents.

Health Impacts of Extreme Heat

From data to action: this discussion on the built environment was followed by an interactive workshop on recognizing the symptoms of heat illness. The youth dove deeper into identifying signs and symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion and learned about what actions to take during extreme heat events to protect themselves and their families. Local extreme heat resources were provided to the youth to take home, share, and apply in their lives. 

Body Mapping

The highlight of the workshop was a body mapping activity, an interactive way through which the youth could express how a hot day feels physically and emotionally to them. Each youth was provided a silhouette and using drawings, emojis, and creative illustrations, they conveyed sensations such as frustration, exhaustion, and discomfort. The goal of the activity was to highlight how everyone can experience heat differently and to show the negative impacts of heat on physical and mental health. One youth captured it perfectly: “A hot day makes me sweaty, and really angry.”  

To close the session, the youth shared their body mapping posters with the  group, reflecting on the shared emotions and sensations they experience on hot days. Many youth shared that extreme heat impacts their ability to focus in school, can lead to short tempers, and can impact their ability to participate in sports and other extracurriculars. The November meeting allowed the youth to reflect on the heat monitoring process at the previous session and connect it with actionable steps to protect themselves from the harmful health impacts of extreme heat.