With temperatures predicted in the thirty-degree range, it is important to recognize and prevent heat-related illness and continue to use precautions against mosquito bites to prevent West Nile Virus.
Most heat-related illnesses can be prevented by keeping the body cool and by avoiding dehydration.
Do not spend much time in direct sunlight. Avoid strenuous activity in hot, humid weather or during the hottest part of the day (between 10 am and 4 pm).
Apply a sunscreen that screens out both UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply it 20 minutes before going outside and reapply frequently, especially when exercising and swimming.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses (with a UVA/UVB CSA-certified seal). If possible, wear light-coloured and loose-fitting long pants and long-sleeved shirt that covers the skin and protects from both the sun and mosquitoes. If possible, use an umbrella for shade.
Increase your fluid intake by drinking plenty of water or diluted juices especially if you sweat a lot. Be aware that caffeine and alcohol can contribute to or worsen dehydration.
Cool your body down by taking frequent breaks in the shade, by a fan, or in air conditioning. Cool your skin by spraying water over your body. Take a cool bath or shower.
If you have to stand for any length of time in a hot environment, flex your leg muscles often while standing, or wear support hose. This prevents blood from pooling in your lower legs, which can lead to fainting.
Use insect repellents containing DEET that are registered in Canada for human use, apply sparingly and use only on exposed skin or on top of clothing.
Watch for the National Weather Service daily listings of heat index in the newspaper, for information on air temperature and humidity. When humidity is above 75 percent the body loses its ability to remove heat through sweating. Other means of cooling the body need to be used.
Health related illnesses include: heat rash (prickly heat), heat cramps, heat edema (swelling), heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), heat exhaustion (heat prostration), heatstroke (sunstroke).
Sunrise Health Region urges you to call 911 or to seek immediate medical assistance if you have been exposed to a hot environment and experience any of the following symptoms:
Unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds
Seizures
Difficulty breathing
Confusion, severe restlessness, or anxiety
Hot, dry, flushed skin with no sweating (classic heatstroke) or with a lot of sweating (exertional heatstroke)
Severe vomiting and diarrhea
Heat-related illnesses occur when we cannot transfer enough heat away from our bodies though sweating and blood flow to the skin. Babies, the elderly, obese persons and persons with chronic diseases are at greater risk, since their bodies do not transfer heat as effectively. But anyone is at risk for possible heat-related illness and should take precautions.
Home treatment is usually all that is needed to treat mild heat-related illnesses. You can contact the Healthline for advice at 1-877-800-0002. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke need immediate medical treatment.
For more information about prevention and treatment of heat-related illness visit the Active Alerts section of the Sunrise Health Region website www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca
