Updated: Fri Jun. 04 2010 18:08:59

ctvcalgary.ca

A medical service is now available to warn people about sudden changes in the weather.

Jerry Cunningham suffers from migraines and cluster headaches. He says since signing up for the email alerts his life has changed for the better. "I'm able to manage it when, especially when my main trigger is the weather change. I can see when it's coming and prepare myself for that," says Cunningham.

Mediclim is a Canadian-made weather warning system developed by John Bart, a doctor in Toronto. Bart worked with one of his patients and Meteorologist Denis Bourque.

Together they developed an index of map-specific weather conditions known to trigger certain health problems.

The system takes into account humidity, wind direction, temperature, and barometric pressure. The information helps identify days when certain chronic conditions – like migraines, asthma, or arthritis – may be aggravated.

Trish Strong has been using the email alerts for about a year and says it's helped her with all the ailments she suffers from. "It allows me to prepare and just be aware that I may need extra medication."

Mediclim first went on line in 2008 and has thousands of subscribers in Canada and the U.S.

To learn more about the free Mediclim service, click on the link to the right.