The province’s Chief Health Officer is advising Islanders and visitors to take precautions against the effects of the current rise in heat and humidity levels. Temperature and humidity readings for the province as issued by Environment Canada continue to be high.
Dr. Lamont Sweet, Chief Health Officer for Prince Edward Island, says, “Heat illness may occur when a person's body temperature rises to abnormal levels because of exposure to the heat. Symptoms of heat illness include headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting and an increase in body temperature. Infants, young children, the elderly and those who are overweight are more likely to experience heat illness.”
The following measures are recommended to prevent heat illness:
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities particularly during the hottest time of the day.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and limit drinks containing caffeine which cause loss of fluids from the body.
• If working outside or in non-air conditioned buildings, take rest periods and drink plenty of fluids.
• Spend as much time in the shade or in air conditioned areas as is possible.
• Adults are advised to apply SPF 15 or higher sunscreen if exposed to sun and children should be protected by at least SPF 30 sunscreen.
• Wear broad-brimmed hats and loose clothing when outside.
• Never leave a person or animal alone in a closed or parked vehicle.