Take precautions during high temperatures

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is reminding the public to take precautions during rising temperatures expected in many parts of the province this week, including northern Saskatchewan. According to Environment Canada, a heat warning is issued when there are two or more consecutive days of daytime temperatures expected to reach 29 degrees or warmer and nighttime minimum temperatures are expected to fall to 14°C or warmer.

Heat-related illnesses include: heat rash (skin irritation), heat cramps (muscle cramps), heat edema (swelling of hands, feet, and ankles), heat fainting, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

“As temperatures rise, you need to take extra care to keep as cool as possible in order to prevent any heat-related illness,” said Saskatchewan Health Authority Medical Health Officer Dr. Moliehi Khaketla. “Heat illnesses are preventable. It is particularly important for babies, young children, the elderly and anyone who is ill or has chronic health conditions like breathing problems, mental illness, and heart problems to stay out of the heat.”

Here are some tips to avoid becoming ill during periods of extreme heat:

• Stay out of the heat
  • Keep out of the sun during the peak hours of 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., if possible.
  • If you need to be outside, wear appropriate sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and light, loose fitting cotton clothes.
  • Avoid any extreme physical exertion and keep in the shade whenever possible.
  • If you don’t have air conditioning at home, know where to go to cool down. Air conditioned public spaces include malls, leisure centres, libraries, etc.
• Cool yourself down
  • Stay hydrated with cold water and cold drinks, avoiding excess alcohol. Eat cold foods - salad and fruit with high water content is always a nice, light choice.
  • Take cool baths or showers.

• Practice Water Safety
  • Choose a safe place to swim. Check for health and safety notices before wading into water. This can include warnings about water pollution levels or a strong undertow.
  • Keep young children and inexperienced swimmers in view and within arm's reach at all times when they are in water. This will reduce the risk of serious injury.
• Keep your environment cool
  • Keep your living space cool. This is especially important for infants, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions or those who can’t look after themselves (including pets).
  • Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped.
• Look out for others
  • Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool.
  • Ensure that babies, children, elderly people, and pets are not left alone in stationary vehicles, or unsupervised when near open water.
  • Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during the heat wave.

Heat Stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical assistance if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating.

If you take medicines regularly, ask your doctor for advice about hot-weather activity and your risk of getting a heat-related illness. More information preventing heat illness can be found on the Government of Canada's website: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/extreme-heat-heat-waves.