With temperatures in Baltimore this Labor Day and a heat index expected to go over 100 degrees Fahrenheit Monday and Tuesday, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has issued a Code Red extreme heat alert for Labor Day and Tuesday, September 4.

The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity. It indicates how hot it feels to the human body. Dr Wen says, "As Baltimore continues to experience very high temperatures this week, all residents should take precautions to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration. 

Read the entire story.

When my son, Eli, was born a year ago, it was a given that I would breastfeed him. 

During medical school, I learned that breastfeeding bolsters a baby's immune system, reduces infant mortality and improves the mother's long-term health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for a year, and I was committed to making it work.

Read entire story here.

I was delighted to celebrate our accomplishments and review our priorities at the Baltimore City Health Department’s annual All-Staff Meeting. I am so proud to work with the incredible women and men of our Health Department and our partners. It is your work that made us the 2018 National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Local Health Department of the Year. I want to commend you, congratulate you, and thank you for working so hard to promote health and wellbeing in Baltimore City. As Mayor Catherine Pugh said in her thanks to our team, in every way, we are working at the frontlines to bring core services to our fellow residents.

City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has extended a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Thursday as the heat index is expected to be over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body.

Read the entire story.