The Forecast is calling for high heat and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit wants you to be prepared.
They say that the combination of heat and high humidity can be hazardous to your health, and cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death in some cases. With this in mind, the health unit is offering advice to the general population, but also specifically to those at greatest risk of being affected, like the elderly, people with chronic illness or who take certain medications, infants and pre-school children, or people who participate in work or play that will puts them outdoors for prolonged periods of time.
Above all, the health unit says to not leave children, adults, or pets in parked cars or sleeping outside in direct sunlight. They say if you are on medication, to consult your doctor about the effects the heat has on them. They say to drink plenty of water or 100% fruit juices throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. The Unit says to take sips often and not guzzle your drink. They also suggest eating foods with high water content like grapes and oranges, and to avoid alcohol, coffee and cola. They also say to avoid eating heavy meals.
The unit says to avoid going out in the heat, and if you must, stick to the shade as much as possible. Whenever possible they say to go into air conditioned places, and wear loose fitting, light clothing. In your home, they suggest keeping window shades drawn and blinds closed, as well as keeping electric lights off or turned down low. They say you should use fans to draw cool air at night. However, they say do not rely on a fan for your main cooling source during long periods of high heat and humidity.
The Unit says that during this time, if you experience nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty or rapid breathing, severe headache, confusion, convulsion or fever, to seek medical attention immediately.
Written by Trevor Smith-Millar