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Southern Saskatchewan is expecting a heatwave this weekend, including temperatures in the mid- to high- thirties and humidity indexes into the forties.
Medical Health Officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Doctor Stanley Enebeli, says heat-related symptoms can include heat rash, skin irritation, heat cramping, heat edema, and dizziness or fainting.
“As temperatures rise, you need to take extra care to keep as cool as possible in order to prevent any of these heat-related illnesses. These heat illnesses are preventable. It’s 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.”
Extreme heat can also cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Enebeli says symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, nausea, dizziness or fainting, rapid breathing, and an increased heart rate. It often comes with symptoms of extreme thirst like dry mouth, sticky saliva, or decreased urination and dark urine.
Parents may notice changes in behaviour including sleepiness or tantrums. Enebeli says the correct response to symptoms of heat exhaustion is to move the affected person to a cool place and ensure they drink water.
Symptoms of heat stroke are similar but more severe. Enebeli stresses the heat stroke is a medical emergency.
“Another heat-related illness of concern is the heat stroke, which is actually a medical emergency. In terms of the signs and symptoms to watch out for heat stroke, this may include very high body temperature and very hot or red skin. Individuals experiencing a heat stroke may be unconscious, confused, or even have stopped sweating.”
Anyone experiencing heat stroke should seek immediate medical attention. To assist someone with heat stroke, call 9-1-1 and attempt to cool the affected person while waiting for medical help to arrive. This includes moving them to a cooler place, fanning them, and applying cold water to their skin and clothing.
Enebeli reminds that unprotected exposure to the sun increases the risk of skin cancer.
There are measures people can take to prevent heat-related illnesses. Enebeli says this includes basic efforts to stay out of the heat.
“Keep out of the sun during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. if possible. If you need to be outside, we do encourage you to wear appropriate sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect from UVA and UVB rays and light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. Avoid any extreme physical exertion and keep in the shade whenever possible.”
Sunscreen should have an SPF of 15 or higher and be reapplied every two hours.
Residents who do not have air-conditioned homes are advised to seek a place to cool down. This could be a public space like a mall, leisure centre, or library. Another effective way to cool down is a cold bath or visiting a local spray park or pool.
People are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, eat foods with high water content, and avoid consuming alcohol.
Windows that are exposed to the sun should be kept closed during the day and opened at night when temperatures cool down.
Enebeli encourages people to check in on any at-risk loved ones including pets, babies, children, elderly relatives, or those with chronic health conditions.
“If you take medicines or medications regularly, please ask your doctor for advice about hot weather activity and your risk of getting a heat-related illness.”
