Extreme heat events due to a changing climate are a growing public health risk in Canada. Because of our cooler climate in the Thunder Bay District, we can be more susceptible to extreme heat than those who are regularly exposed to it.
Heat Illnesses
Extreme heat puts everyone at risk of heat illnesses, which can have quick effects, and can lead to long-term health problems and even death. Heat illnesses include:
- Heat exhaustion
- symptoms can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and fainting
- Heat edema (swelling of hands, feet, and ankles)
- Heat rash… red or pink rash usually on the neck, chest, and/or elbow creases
- Heat cramps (muscle cramps)
- Heat stroke
- symptoms can include high body temperature, unconsciousness, confusion and lack of coordination, dizziness or fainting, lack of sweating, very hot or red skin
Other symptoms of heat illnesses can include:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Extreme thirst (dry mouth or sticky saliva)
- Decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine
- Changes of behaviour in children (like sleepiness or temper tantrums)
If you experience any of these symptoms during extreme heat, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Water is best.
Heat Stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating. While waiting for help, cool the person right away by:
- Moving them to a cool place, if you can
- Applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing
- Fanning the person as much as possible
Who is most at Risk?
While extreme heat can put everyone at risk for heat illnesses, those more affected include:
- Older adults
- Infants and young children
- People who are pregnant
- People with chronic illnesses, such as breathing problems, heart problems, or mental illness
- People who are unable to keep their living space cool
- People who live alone
- People who work in the heat (indoors or outdoors)
- People who exercise in the heat (indoors or outdoors)
- People experiencing homelessness or those who are under-housed
- Low-income earners
- People with limited mobility
Tips to beat the heat
- Drink lots of water before you feel thirsty- don’t wait until you are thirsty
- Sugary or alcoholic drinks can cause you to lose more body fluid
- Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day
- Exercise in an air-conditioned place, or a cooler outdoor location such as a tree-shaded area away from high traffic to avoid high levels of air pollution (pollution levels tend to be higher on hot days). Take extra breaks, drinks plenty of water, remove excess clothing, don’t expect your usual performance, and give your body extra time to recover.
- Spend a few hours in a cool place (tree-shaded area, swimming pool or lake, air conditioned public buildings e.g. shopping mall, grocery store, library)
- Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
- Use sunscreen.
- Block sun by closing curtains or blinds and windows during the day
- Take a cool shower
- Wear loose-fitting, light colored clothing made of breathable fabric
- When you buy sunglasses, make sure they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight
- Some medications may increase your health risk in the heat or makes your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) rays – speak with a pharmacist to find out and follow their recommendations
- Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in your oven
- Frequently visit neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated
- Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in your oven
- Frequently visit neighbours, friends, and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure they are cool and hydrated
- Always check the UV index and practice sun safety tips. Visit UV Index to see the current UV index and learn more sun safety tips.