STAYING COOL — With temperatures remaining in the scorching range last week, Nathan Deans was among the children cooling off at the Teeswater pool.
Pat Bolen photo
When the hot humid weather hit last week, the Huron County Health Unit advised the public to take care to prevent heat related exhaustion and illness.
Public health nurse Donna Parsons said the health unit also reminded local agencies and organizations that work with high-risk people to recognize the risks and advise their clients to take precautions. Parsons said, “Seniors, young children, homeless, those with chronic health conditions, those who are active or work in hot environments and those without air conditioning are at greatest risk. But everyone needs to be extra careful in this weather.”
Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature, and core body temperature rises rapidly. Symptoms include an extremely high body temperature of 41°C or greater; red, hot and dry skin (no sweating); and a strong, rapid pulse. Dizziness, headache, nausea, and possible unconsciousness may indicate heatstroke.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that develops after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids. Symptoms include heavy sweating; cool, moist skin; paleness; and a fast, weak pulse. Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and muscle cramps may indicate heat exhaustion.
The health unit recommends the following:
• Limit time outdoors between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. when the UV index is most intense.
• Drink lots of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, coffee and cola.
• Avoid using your oven. Eat light meals.
• Avoid the sun or heat when possible. If you must go out, stay in the shade as much as possible. Don’t forget sunscreen.
• Find an air-conditioned room. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, try and find an air conditioned facility or public pool in your community.
• If you can’t find an air conditioned facility, take a cool shower or bath. Keep curtains or blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothes. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Avoid intense or moderately-intense physical activity.
• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if your medication makes you more vulnerable to extreme heat.
• Check on children, seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals with chronic illness. Make sure they are well hydrated and have no signs of heat-related illness.
• Never leave anyone, including pets, alone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night; do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during extended periods of excessive heat.
For more information on health impacts related to environment conditions, contact the Huron County Health Unit at (519) 482-3416 or 1-877-837-6143.
