Health Unit: Take precautions during the hot and humid weather

Brockville – Environment Canada has issued a heat warning that is expected to continue through Friday. These high temperatures and humidity may affect your health. Becoming overheated can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in some cases death. Even short periods of exposure to high temperatures can cause health problems.

If you experience the following symptoms after exposure to extreme heat seek medical attention immediately:

• Nausea, dizziness, blurred vision
• Difficulty or rapid breathing
• Severe headache or confusion
• Convulsion
• Fever

Everyone is at risk; however, the following people are in greater danger of being affected:

• Elderly
• People with chronic illnesses or who take certain medications
• Infants and preschool children
• People who have challenges with housing and shelter
• People who participate in physical activity or are involved in strenuous outdoor work for a prolonged period

Dr. Linna Li, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, advises you to keep cool and hydrated this week and to take the following precautions:

• Do not leave children, adults or pets in parked cars or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink. Learn more about hydration at unlockfood.ca.
• Eat foods that have high water content such as watermelon, grapes and oranges.
• Limit caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola.
• Don’t skip meals, instead eat smaller amounts more often. Use Canada’s New Food Guide. Check out the snacks on this page. If you can, eat a variety of foods that can be prepared safely without using the oven.
• Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Wear loose-fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.
• Whenever possible go to an air-conditioned room or building.

For those who don’t have air conditioning and are looking to find a way to stay cool:

• There are a few cooling centres being set up in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark areas. We will be posting on our website as we learn about them. Cooling Centres in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark – Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
• In your house, keep electric lights off or turned down low.
• Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a main cooling device during long periods of high heat and humidity.
• To keep yourself cool:
  • Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
  • Visit a local splash pad.
  • Visit a local beach. Some beaches are tested weekly by the Health Unit, see a listing and results here: Weekly Beach Results – Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Environment Canada and Climate Change issues warnings when the:  

• Daytime temperature of 31ºC or higher and nighttime temperature not cooler than 20ºC for at least two days, or
• Humidex of 40ºC for at least two days

For more information on how to protect your health during extreme heat, visit our Exposure to Hot/Cold Temperatures page. For specific health heat-related questions call 1-800-660-5853 or 613-345-5685. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter @LGLHealthUnit or Instagram @lglhealthunit.z for important public health updates.