Dr. Debra Hendrickson is a pediatrician in Reno, the fastest-warming city in the U.S., and the author of The Air They Breathe. She joins Kim Nash to talk about something most chronic illness patients and caregivers aren't warned about: how common medications impair your body's ability to cope with heat, and how rising temperatures and wildfire smoke are quietly compounding the health burden for anyone already managing a chronic condition. Practical, urgent, and packed with information you can act on today.

CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Meet Dr. Debra Hendrickson: A Pediatrician in America's Fastest-Warming City
03:27 Wildfire Smoke, Asthma, and Why Children Are Especially Vulnerable
06:51 The Story Behind The Air They Breathe
08:59 Guidance for Physicians: Proximal vs. Distal Climate Health Risks
10:53 Practical Adaptations: Air Filters, Masks, AQI, and Heat Safety for Kids
14:08 Medications That Affect the Body's Ability to Handle Heat
17:18 Protecting Kids in Car Seats and Pregnant Moms from Heat Risk
19:38 Where to Find Dr. Hendrickson and The Air They Breathe

CONNECT & RESOURCES

Dr. Hendrickson:
🌐 Website: debrahendrickson.com (free downloadable handout on heat and wildfire smoke adaptations; contact form)
📚 Book: The Air They Breathe — available on Amazon

The Chronic Truth Podcast:

🌐 Website: chronictruthpodcast.com
📱 Instagram: @ChronicTruthPodcast
📘 TikTok: @chronictruthpodcast
💬 Share Your Story: Testimonials
📋 Community Survey: Survey

Production Partner: Podcast Mechanic