How to Beat the Heat
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Heat related illness can be prevented!
People at increased risk for heat related illness include:
• Older adults
• Infants and young children
• People with chronic illnesses, such as heart or respiratory conditions, people with limited Physical mobility, people with certain mental health illnesses, people on certain medications
• People who work or exercise in the heat
• Homeless people and low-income earners
• People on the lower end of the socio-economic scale
How to prevent heat related illness:
• Drink lots of cool water even before you feel thirsty
• Go to an air conditioned place such as a shopping mall, library or community centre
• Wear loose light coloured breathable clothing and when outdoors wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day
• Take cool showers or baths or use cool wet towels to cool down
• Never leave a person or pet inside a parked car or in the direct sunlight
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist on medications that increase your risk to heat
• Call or visit at-risk family, friends or neighbours (especially seniors living alone) to make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids and keeping cool
Stay cool at home:
• Keep blinds or drapes closed to block out the sun during the day
• Make meals that don’t use an oven, especially if you don’t have air conditioning
• Unplug electronics and turn off lights when not in use
• Use fans properly:
o Place fans in or next to a window to bring in the cooler air from outside
o Place a bowl of ice in front of fans to cool air
o Do not use fans when the temperature in a room is 34 degrees Celsius or higher. This is especially a concern for older adults and people taking certain medications since their ability to sweat is decreased. A large block of ice can be placed in front of the fan to cool the air.
• Talk to your landlord about providing a cool common area for residents without air conditioning
Watch for symptoms of heat related illnesses, which include:
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Rapid breathing and heartbeat
• Extreme thirst
If you experience these symptoms move to a cool place and drink water. See your doctor if the symptoms continue.
Heat Stroke is a medical emergency- Call 911. While waiting for emergency services to arrive, help the affected person by:
• Moving them to a cooler location, if you can
• Applying cold water to large area of skin or clothing
• Fanning them