In this episode, Chris sits down with Cheryl Snyder, Brookline’s Deputy Director of Emergency Management. As summer arrives and New England temperatures surge, they dive into a topic that directly impacts everyone in our neighborhood: extreme heat.

While many of us welcome the summer sun, extreme heat is far more than an annoyance. It is a serious public health threat that is shifting human health risks right here in our densely built neighborhoods. Cheryl shares how climate change is driving sudden, extreme temperature swings in New England, breaks down how to identify life-threatening heat illnesses, and highlights the local infrastructure and community-driven safety nets available to keep Brookline resilient.

Key Takeaways from Cheryl Snyder:

• The Climate Acclimation Gap: Older New England homes were architectural assets built to trap winter warmth, but they frequently lack air conditioning. Because climate change is causing our region to skip spring and jump directly from winter to summer temperatures, our bodies lack the time to acclimate naturally, drastically increasing seasonal health risks.
• Who is Most Vulnerable? While sudden heat spikes place everyone at risk, key high-risk groups include young children, older adults, the unhoused population, individuals taking specific medications that impair temperature regulation, and anyone working or exercising outdoors.
• Look at the Heat Index, Not Just the Thermostat: The true "real feel" threat is determined by the Heat Index, which mathematically combines ambient temperature and humidity. High humidity blocks sweat from evaporating, stopping your body's natural cooling mechanism.
• Combating Post-COVID Social Isolation: Excessive heat is a silent danger made deadlier by social isolation. Just as we routinely check on vulnerable neighbors during severe winter blizzards, we must actively build a culture of checking on our family, friends, and neighbors when severe heat strikes.

Resources & Local Support:

Right Here in Brookline

-Alert Brookline Emergency Notifications: The primary digital tool used by Brookline to push out immediate text, email, or phone alerts regarding heat emergencies, cooling center locations, power outages, and more. Sign up at www.brooklinema.gov/alert

-Air-Conditioned Public Safe Spaces: Residents looking to escape hot residential spaces can seek immediate relief during standard business hours at these local facilities:

-The Brookline Senior Center: Open to older adults. Info at https://www.brooklineseniorcenter.org/

-The Public Libraries of Brookline: All three local branches (Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, and Putterham) feature full air conditioning and public programming. Info at www.brooklinelibrary.org.

-The Evelyn Kirrane Aquatics Center: Brookline’s public indoor pool offers a sun-free, fully climate-controlled environment to cool down. Info at https://www.brooklinerec.com/150/Aquatics-Center

-Local Splash Pads: Free interactive water play areas located within Brookline parks. Standard park splash pads operate daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Info at https://www.brooklinerec.com/31/Facilities

-Summer Eats Program: Nutritious free meals are available for children and teens 18 years old and younger at 575 Brookline Ave (Lynch Rec Center) throughout the summer while school is out of session.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Michelle Visser, a licensed psychotherapist, certified early intervention specialist, and Board member for the Friends of Brookline Public Health. In honor of Maternal Mental Health Month, they tackle a vital topic that affects nearly everyone who has ever been pregnant, given birth, or supported someone on a parenting journey, yet remains far too rarely discussed openly.

Michelle shares her professional insights into the full spectrum of perinatal well-being, untangles the intense anxiety of intrusive thoughts, and highlights how to recognize when a parent truly needs extra support.

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• The Top Childbearing Complication: Mental health struggles are the number one medical complication of childbearing in the United States. It outranks any other physical or medical condition on the list.
• Understanding Perinatal Well-Being: Maternal mental health encompasses an individual's level of psychological functioning and emotional well-being across pregnancy, the postpartum period, and ongoing parenting. It extends far beyond just postpartum depression or the temporary baby blues.
• The Reality of Intrusive Thoughts: Scary or distressing thoughts (such as a sudden flash of worry about dropping the baby on the stairs) are an incredibly common symptom of postpartum anxiety. While terrifying, these thoughts are often a sign of a hyper-vigilant brain attempting to keep a helpless infant safe.
• The Core Self-Screen Check: To evaluate your well-being, look past the expected exhaustion and ask yourself: "Do I feel like myself?" If you are concerned about a loved one, gently ask them: "Do you seem like yourself right now?"
• Recognizing When to Seek Support: Typical transitions can feel upside down, but it is time to connect with a professional when emotional struggles interfere with your daily life, for example, if you find yourself being too worried to leave the house, go to work, or turn your brain off to sleep.
• Red Flags Needing Immediate Care: Reach out for emergency support right away if a parent is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harming others, feeling a dangerous surge of high energy despite no sleep, or seeing and hearing things that others do not.

Right Here in Brookline

• Brookline Health Department Navigator: Connect with Eliza Usen for personalized guidance on local services.
• Email: EUsen@BrooklineMA.gov
• Phone: 617-730-2652
• In-Person: 11 Pierce Street, 2nd Floor, Brookline, MA
• Jewish Family & Children's Service (JF&CS): Offers wonderful local, completely non-religious peer support and socialization groups for new and experienced parents.
• New Library Support Groups: Stay tuned for free, informal parenting support groups starting this fall across all three Brookline Public Library branches (Putterham, Coolidge Corner, and Brookline Village). More information forthcoming at www.brooklinelibrary.org

National & Screening Tools

• Postpartum Support International (PSI): Provides access to free online support groups, warm lines, and a dedicated maternal mental health specialist search tool.
• Website: postpartum.net
• Self-Screening Scales: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a simple, 10-question tool available online that can help you understand your symptoms and ground your conversations with your provider.
• National Crisis Support: For an immediate mental health emergency, dial or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk.

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In this episode, Chris and Pat sit down with Michelle Visser, a licensed psychotherapist, certified early intervention specialist, and Board member for the Friends of Brookline Public Health. We discuss the challenges of parenting in real time, specifically how to navigate those unexpected, difficult questions children ask when parents are least prepared, whether in traffic or right before bed. Michelle offers practical strategies for building emotional awareness, modeling empathy, and maintaining a strong, open connection with your children in an increasingly complex world.

• Don't Rush the Answer: When a child asks a big or unexpected question about a difficult topic, it is okay to acknowledge it is a great question and ask for a few minutes to think so you can provide the best answer.
• Seek Context: If a question is unclear, ask your child what made them think of it today. Getting more context helps you meet them where they actually are rather than assuming the question is more complicated than it is.
• Model Emotional Honesty: It is healthy for children to see their parents experience emotions such as sadness or worry. Modeling these feelings in a stable way provides a safe space for children to practice their own feelings before they face the world.
• Look for the Helpers: Inspired by Mr. Rogers, Michelle suggests helping children navigate dark or scary world events by identifying the people who are out there helping, such as firefighters, teachers, or volunteers.
• The Open Door Policy: Remind your children that you are always available to talk and that they will not get in trouble for sharing information with you. Hearing the information is always more important than whether a choice was right or wrong.

• Friends of Brookline Public Health Website: brooklinefbph.wixsite.com/brooklinefbph
• Upcoming Parenting in Real Time Events:
• Featuring expert panelists Michelle Visser (LMHC, Psychotherapist) and Matt DuBois (Ph.D., NCSP, Senior Director of Clinical Services & Social and Emotional Learning, PSB), moderated by John Kleschinsky, DrPH, Director of Public Health & Human Services.
• In-Person: Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 PM, Hunneman Hall, Brookline Public Library (Brookline Village).
• Virtual: Monday, March 30 at 6:30 PM Online.
• Register to attend: https://brooklinehealthdept.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_brBVMuHnD0sI6sm
• Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services: brooklinema.gov/health
• Make a Donation: Visit brooklinecommunity.org and select Friends of Brookline Public Health Fund from the dropdown menu.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk.

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