Most often, heat related illnesses are preventable conditions.  However, they can have significant consequences, including death if left untreated.  Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can overlap in many ways and exist on a continuum of severity.  As your body temperature rises, heat exhaustion can rapidly progress to heat stroke.

People at greater risk during these weather conditions include:

• The elderly
• People with chronic illnesses (such as diabetes, heart and respiratory conditions)
• Infants and preschool children
• People who exercise vigorously or are involved in strenuous outdoor work for prolonged periods
• People taking certain medications, for example, for mental health conditions
• Homeless or marginally housed persons
  
  

Heat Exhaustion…

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt contained in sweat.  Those prone to heat exhaustion are the elderly, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

How to recognize...

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heavy sweating muscle cramps weakness headache fainting paleness, tiredness dizziness, nausea

Treatment...

find shade air conditioned environment drink fluids and rest cool shower or sponge bath lightweight clothing if signs of heat stroke call 911

Heat Stroke...

Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature; the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool.  Heat stroke is life threatening and requires medical attention.

How to recognize...

high body temp (above 39 degrees C) red, hot, dry skin (no sweating) rapid, strong pulse throbbing headache dizziness, nausea,vomiting confusion unconsciousness

Treatment...

get help - call 911 begin cooling the victim find shade or cool place remove or loosen excess clothing spray or sponge with cool water keep cooling do not give victim alcohol

During Hot Weather...

• Drink lots of water and natural fruit juices even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
• Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat when possible. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible and plan to go out early in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
• Go to air conditioned or cool places such as shopping malls, libraries, community centres or a friend’s place.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
• Keep lights off or turned down low.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
  

Sun Safety…

• use a broad-spectrum sun screen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• apply 30 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply at least every 2 hours
• sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids
• apply bug repellent after sun screen
• cover ear tips, back of neck and nose  with sun screen
• apply an SPF 30 lip balm to the lips
• wear UVA/UVB sunglasses
• make sure asthmatics have their puffers
• take into account any medications you may take that either react with the sun or act as diuretics. Consult your doctor or pharmacist