Day Three Of GOP Convention, Science Behind Heat Waves, Difficulties Of Being A Patient

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More than 30 percent of Americans don’t get paid sick days, and our guest says that’s just one of the many burdens on patients in our current healthcare system. He talks about the difficulties patients face, and shares ideas on how to create a simpler system. We also get a live update from the GOP National Convention, and talk about the science behind heat waves.

Featured in this Show

  • With A Heat Wave Coming To Wisconsin, Expert Explains What’s Behind It

    The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch for the southern half of Wisconsin from Thursday until 7 p.m. on Friday, with the heat index expected to top 100 degrees. Heat index is a combination of heat and humidity, so it’s higher even though daytime temperatures will be in the low-to-mid 90s.

    One of the factors contributing to the heat wave is drier than normal conditions, said Michael Morgan, a professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Drier conditions mean drier soil. When soil is wet, the radiation from the Sun helps evaporate that water before it begins heating the ground.

    “Because we’ve had slightly drier conditions, a lot of the solar radiation is going directly to heating the ground, which ultimately will heat the air above the ground. And so the dryness that we’ve had is going to exacerbate the problem,” Morgan said.

    Increased humidity also plays a role. Water used in irrigated crops south of Wisconsin is released into the air, which increases dew points and makes the air more humid. That air can then travel north, leading to more humid conditions in Wisconsin.

    Corn in particular is a water-intensive crop and agriculture more broadly can lead to conditions like the excessive heat warning, according to Morgan.

    Morgan stressed the need to stay hydrated and to keep as cool as possible during this kind of heat.

    “Our body already has a natural way for us to cool off, and that’s through just perspiration, sweating, and that sweat as it evaporates helps to cool our skin,” he said. “But when the air is so humid and our body is trying to cool off, the perspiration, the evaporation process is compromised, it’s weaker because it’s less effective, and so our bodies can feel much warmer and that can lead to serious illnesses.”

    While the heat watch lasts, do what needs to be done outdoors in the early morning or after the sun goes down, stay hydrated, don’t spend much time in the heat and wear light or loose clothing, Morgan said.

  • Day Three Of The Republican National Convention: Recapping Speeches From Senator Ron Johnson And House Speaker Paul Ryan

    WPR Capitol Bureau Chief Shawn Johnson recaps Tuesday night speeches from U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and House Speaker Paul Ryan at the Republican National Convention. He also shares the latest news from Day Three of the convention.

  • Heat Wave Heads For Wisconsin

    A heat wave is expected to hit Wisconsin starting Thursday, with temperatures in the hundreds in the forecast for much of the state. Our guest meteorologist joins us to talk about what to expect, how to stay safe, and what’s behind the extreme weather.

  • The Work Of Being A Patient

    Our guest says the burden of being a patient is too big in the current health care system. He explains what the work of being a patient is and his work on designing a “minimally disruptive” health care system.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Veronica Rueckert Producer
  • Amanda Magnus Producer
  • Michael Morgan Guest
  • Shawn Johnson Guest
  • Dr. Victor Montori Guest

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