HEAT WAVES

During extremely hot and humid weather, anyone can suffer heat-related illness when their body is unable to compensate for the extreme temperatures and properly cool. But some groups are more vulnerable than others including young children, the elderly, people who exercise vigorously or who are involved in strenuous work outdoors for prolonged periods, individuals on medication and the chronically ill.

There are a number of things that people can do to prevent heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amount of sugar

• Stay indoors. Stay cool by taking cool showers or wetting your hands, face and the back of your neck.

• Wear light, loose fitting clothes, a hat and sunscreen when outdoors.

• Avoid vigorous exercise in the heat (this includes children as well). If you have a young child or a child with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, do not allow them to partake in sporting events or exercise during heat waves especially when there is a heat/humid advisory in effect.

• Keep your home cool by limiting the use of your oven/stove

• Keep windows slightly open during the day.

• At night, open windows wide to cool the house.

• Never leave children or pets in a parked car.

• Check up regularly on friends, family and/or neighbors who may be at high risk during a heat wave.

Extreme heat can cause many health problems, including cramps, dizziness, headache, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if left untreated.

For more information call Community Health at 613-575-2341 ext. 3219