With the upcoming line-up of summer festivals and activities Islanders are urged to take steps to prevent heat-related illness if there are any extreme heat events, also known as “heat waves,” says Chief Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
“When a heat alert or a humidex advisory is issued, Islanders are encouraged to keep as cool as possible and increase fluid intake,” said Dr. Morrison. “Heat illnesses are preventable, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat illness include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, muscle cramps, rapid breathing and heartbeat, or extreme thirst, and may result in confusion or loss of consciousness.”
The Chief Health Office recommends taking the following actions to stay cool:
• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
• Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place.
• Block out sun by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.
• Avoid direct sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
• Vulnerable individuals should not be left inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
While extreme heat can put everyone at risk from heat illnesses, health risks are greatest for older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illnesses, and people who work or who exercise in the heat.
Additional tips on how to stay safe and what to do during an extreme heat-related emergency are available at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/environ/heat-chaleur-eng.php
BACKGROUNDER
Extreme heat events can lead to one or more of the following health effects, in descending order of severity.
Heat Stroke:
The most serious type of heat illness is a result of body heat overload. Signs of heat stroke may include a core body temperature of more than 40ºC/104ºF, complete or partial loss of consciousness and/or reduced mental ability. Sweating is not a good indicator, as there are two types of heat stroke:
• Classic – accompanied by little or no sweating, usually occurring in children, those who are chronically ill and older adults.
• Exertional – accompanied by an increase in body temperature because of strenuous exercise or occupational exposure in combination with environmental heat, and where sweating is usually present.
Heat exhaustion:
Caused by excessive loss of water and salt. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, diarrhea and muscle cramps.
Heat fainting (parade syncope):
Caused by the loss of body fluids through sweating and by lowered blood pressure due to pooling of blood in the legs. Symptoms include temporary dizziness and fainting resulting from an insufficient flow of blood to the brain while a person is standing.
Heat cramps:
Caused by a salt imbalance resulting from a failure to replace salt lost through excessive sweating. Symptoms are sharp muscle pains.
Heat rash (miliaria rubra):
A result of inflammation of clogged sweat glands and accompanied by tiny red spots on the skin, which may give a prickling sensation.
Heat edema:
Heat-induced swelling frequently noticeable in the ankles, feet and hands, and most often seen in people who are not regularly exposed to heat.
Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2005