With high heat and humidity in the forecast for the long weekend and into next week, the Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit have issued a heat warning.
The health unit strongly encourages you to check on neighours and friends who have greater risks of problems because of the heat and humidity.
The unit says, while everyone is at risk, the people with higher risks include: elderly, people with chronic illness or take certain medications, infants/preschool children and people who are working outside for a prolonged period.
They add you should take precautions including:
- 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 and 100% fruit juices throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink.
- Eat foods that have high water content such as watermelon, grapes and oranges.
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
- Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible.
- Whenever possible go to an air-conditioned room or building, including shopping malls and libraries
- Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
- Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
- Keep electric lights off or turned down low.
- Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
- Visit a local pool or beach – check for postings here
- Avoid eating heavy meals and using your oven.
- 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.
- Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.
For more information you can visit the Health Unit’s website here.