Released on July 10, 2012
With weather predictions for sustained temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius and high humidex this week, health officials are advising people to take precautions against heat exposure.
"Heat exposure can lead to heat related illnesses which, in certain circumstances, can become a medical emergency," Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Moira McKinnon said. "Signs and symptoms to watch for include dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea, rapid breathing or a rapid heartbeat and/or thirst. People with these symptoms have to move out of the heat into shade and drink cool water. "
Heat-related illnesses such as ‘heat exhaustion' occur when a person cannot transfer enough heat away from their bodies through sweating and blood flow to the skin. People who work outdoors or exercise regularly in the heat are at greater risk of heat exposure. Infants and younger children, elderly, obese persons and persons with chronic diseases are also vulnerable since their bodies do not transfer heat as effectively.
Heat stroke is a severe form of heat exhaustion.
"Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical condition. If you have stopped sweating, have a headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea and red, hot, dry skin, you should seek immediate medical attention," Dr. McKinnon said. "If a person is unconscious, that person needs to be moved to a cooler area and the body temperature reduced by using cool water or fanning, and 9-1-1 should be called."
Heat-related illnesses can be prevented by keeping the body cool and by avoiding dehydration in hot environments:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid strenuous activity in hot, humid weather or during the hottest part of the day (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
- When outside, wear light-coloured, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a hat, preferably with a wide brim.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade, visit a mall or other air conditioned facility to cool down.
- Cool yourself off by taking a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
- Avoid consumption of coffee, colas, and alcohol as they tend to dehydrate the body.
People living in non-air conditioned homes should open their windows at night and close the windows and blinds early in the morning to maintain a cooler environment. At night, use a fan in or near a window to blow heat from the house and draw cooler air in from other windows.
For more information on extreme heat and human health and heat-related illnesses, visit the Ministry of Health's website at http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/extreme-heat-and-human-health and HealthLine Online at http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/healthline-online.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca