Take precautions during heat wave: Health Unit

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit is reminding the public to be careful during heat waves. Environment Canada issued a heat warning yesterday and it remains in place until tomorrow. The Health Unit says a combination of heat and high humidity can be hazardous to your health. There is a potential for dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in some cases death. 

Medical Officer Dr. Paula Stewart says the following precautions should be taken:

•   Don’t leave kids, 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 thirsty.
•   Eat foods that have high water content such as watermelon, grapes and oranges.
•   Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
•   If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible.
•   Stay in air-conditioning whenever possible
•   Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with wet towels.

The Health Unit says the elderly, people with chronic illness, infants and young children, along with people involved in strenuous outdoor work for prolonged periods are most at risk.

The Health Unit advises that you seek medical attention if you experience nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, severe headache or confusion, convulsions or fever.