Symptoms of heat illness include rapid breathing, headache, weakness or fatigue, nausea and muscle cramps.
People with these symptoms should move to a cool environment, rest, and drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages.
If an individual's symptoms worsen or are severe, they should visit an emergency room or their family doctor.
To protect you and your family from heat illness, keep the following in mind:
- Watch or listen for humidex reports issued by Environment Canada
- Drink lots of water and natural juices, even if you don't feel thirsty; avoid caffeinated
beverages and alcohol, which can cause dehydration
- Avoid strenuous activity during mid-day when the temperature is at its peak.
- Avoid going out in the blazing sun. If you must go out, stay in the shade or wear a hat.
- Apply a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or more for short trips outside.
Upgrade to SPF 30 if you'll be spending long periods in direct sun.
- Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before exposure, using waterproof sunscreen if you sweat heavily or plan to swim.
- Use a fan to bring in cooler air from outside.
- Check on relatives, friends and neighbours who live alone, have difficulty caring for
themselves, or are immobile to ensure they aren't suffering from the heat.
- Never leave infants, small children or pets in a parked car.
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see any medication you might take put you at
higher risk for developing heat-related illness
For more information on heat-related health issues, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, call 8-1-1 for health advice 24 hours a day or visit www.healthlinkbc.ca.
Source: Northern Health
