As hot, humid weather arrives, anyone can experience heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include older adults, babies and young children, pregnant women, people who work or exercise outdoors, people who use alcohol or illicit drugs, and the chronically ill.
As well, people who are homeless and low-income earners have less ability to protect themselves from the heat. Additionally, spring and early summer are times of increased risk from heat because your body is not as acclimatized to the heat as it would be later in the year.
The following tips can help prevent heat-related illness:
- Drink lots of water and natural juices.
- Avoid drinks made with alcohol or caffeine.
- Avoid going out in the sun or heat when possible.
- Keep electric lights off or turned down low.
- Take a cool bath or shower periodically, or cool down with cool, wet towels.
- Wear loose-fitting, light clothing and seek shade.
- Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
- Try to take it easy and rest as much as possible.
- Place a dish of ice cubes in front of your electric fan. It has a cooling effect.
For children:
- Breastfeeding according to child’s cues should be encouraged for all breastfed infants/children.
- Babies under 6 months of age do not need extra water in hot weather; however, you may need to feed them more often.
- Encourage babies over 6 months and children to drink frequently. Offer the breast, or if not breastfeeding, offer water.
Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include:
- Breathing rapidly.
- Feeling weak or fainting.
- Being more tired than usual.
- Cramps, usually in legs or abdomen.
- Developing a headache or confusion.
If you or someone in your care has these symptoms, contact a health care professional, friend, or family member for help. In emergencies, call 911.
As part of the Hot Weather Response Plan prepared by the City of Greater Sudbury and the Sudbury & District Health Unit, the Health Unit provides information to keep the public safe from hot, humid weather.
In addition to general heat-related information, the Health Unit offers information on beating the heat in apartment buildings, keeping your pets safe, doing outdoor activities in heat and smog, and keeping your children safe during hot weather.
Phone the Sudbury & District Health Unit at 705-522-9200, ext. 464, or visit the website for more information.
