The Saskatchewan Health Authority is reminding the public to take precautions against an upcoming heat wave across the province forecasted to begin today and into next week.
According to Environment Canada, a heat warning is issued when there are two or more consecutive days of daytime temperatures expected to reach 29 C or warmer.
“During a heat wave, people really need to take extra care to ensure that they are keeping themselves and those around them as comfortable and as cool as possible in order to prevent any heat-related illness,” said Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Senior Medical Health Officer Dr. Julie Kryzanowski.
“It is especially important for babies, young children, the elderly and anyone who is ill or has chronic health conditions to stay out of the heat.”
Heat-related illnesses include: heat rash (prickly heat), heat cramps, heat edema (swelling), heat syncope (fainting), heat exhaustion (heat prostration) and heatstroke (sunstroke).
Call 911 or 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); or severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Saskatchewan Health Authority has some tips to avoid becoming ill during periods of extreme heat.
• Stay out of the heat.
• Keep out of the sun during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., if possible.
• If you need to be outside, wear sunblock, a hat, sunglasses and light, loose fitting cotton clothes.
• Avoid any extreme physical exertion and keep in the shade whenever possible.
• If you don’t have air conditioning at home, know where to go to cool down. Public spaces that are air conditioned include malls, leisure centres, libraries and others.
• Stay hydrated with cold water and cold drinks, avoiding excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.
• Eat cold foods such as salad and fruit that have a high water content.
• Take cool baths or showers.
• Keep your environment cool.
• Keep your living space cool. This is especially important for infants, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions or those who can’t look after themselves (including pets).
• Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped.
Look Out for Others
Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool.
Ensure babies, children, elderly people, and pets are not left alone in stationary vehicles.
Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heat wave.
Call HealthLine at 811 or consult your health care professional if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist. More information about steps to take during a heat wave can be found on the Government of Canada's website: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/extreme-heat-heat-waves.
