With temperatures expected to soar to 30 degrees Celcius, health officials are providing residents with tips to beat the heat.
Public Health Inspector with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Kim McCann says conditions during high heat and humidity can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and in some cases death.
“The symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, severe headache and confusion, and even fevers can be a symptom of high heat,” McCann said.
In order to avoid any heat-related illnesses, McCann says it’s important to drink plenty of water, avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, and stay in the shade as much as possible.
McCann strongly encourages residents to check on their neighbours or a friend who may have a greater risk of suffering negative health consequences from the heat and humidity.
“We are all susceptible to heat illness but it’s really important to keep an eye on your elderly parents, or friends, or people who do not live in air conditioned homes,” she said.
McCann adds that even short periods of heat exposure can cause health problems.
She says one of the biggest mistakes they see people making is leaving kids or pets in parked cars in direct sunlight.
“It may be 29 or 30 degrees outside but you can expect your car to increase in heat extraordinarily,” McCann said. “So, that can actually cause not just heat illness but also sometimes death in children and pets.”