Health unit warns of heat alert
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit is urging people to take precautions against the extremely hot, humid weather that has come to this area.
Environment Canada has issued a heat alert for Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes due to extreme hot temperatures over the next few days. While Haliburton County is not covered by this heat warning, people in all parts of the Health Unit region should take care.
The health unit warns that heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be very dangerous, especially for infants, older adults and people with chronic diseases.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, headache, fainting, paleness, weakness, tiredness, dizziness and nausea. Anyone experiencing a heat-related illness or any of its symptoms should seek medical attention, Manager of Health Protection Bernie Mayer said in the press release.
“During extremely hot days like the ones we are currently experiencing, it’s important not to overdo things and instead drink plenty of water and seek out cool places,” Mayer added.
During any heat wave, the health unit advises people to:
Avoid going out in the sun or heat when possible.
Stay cool and, if possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, seek a cool public location such as a municipal cooling center to cool down while following COVID-19 prevention rules. Contact your local municipality go get locations of these cooling centres.
When outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. If you plan to go outside during a very hot day, do so early in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
Avoid outdoor sports and physical activity.
Wear loose-fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Drink lots of water, even if you don't feel very thirsty. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and pop.
Check in regularly with vulnerable family members, friends, neighbours and others who could be affected by the heat (including children, older adults and those with chronic illnesses). Make sure they are okay and are well-hydrated.
Eat light, cool foods, and avoid heavy meals that involve using the oven or other hot appliances.
Keep shades, drapes and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows open slightly. If you do not have air conditioning, use fans.
Keep lights off or turned low.
Take a cool bath or shower periodically, or cool down with cool, wet towels.
Never leave a child or pet in a closed, parked vehicle.
