Extreme heat often results in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters. In most of the U.S., extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees – and it’s becoming more of a health risk. Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, explains what occurs during extreme heat events and what we can do to stay safe.

Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more.

Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected].

K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.