Too much heat can be harmful for your health.
“Illness can result when the body gains heat faster than it can cool its’ self down and this can lead to weakness, disorientation, and exhaustion,” said Interior Health medical health officer, Dr. Sue Pollock.
Four main groups according to Dr. Pollock are at risk for heat related illness.
The first are infants and young children up to four years of age, the second are elderly 65 of age or older, and the third is those with chronic disease including heart problems and breathing difficulties.
“Healthy individuals who do a lot of work outdoors or are being quite physical in a hot environment are also at risk,” said Dr. Pollock.
Heat related illness in severe cases can lead to heat stroke also known as sunstroke, and is a life-threatening medical emergency.
“As the heat related illness increases in intensity then they may start to experience things like confusion, disorientation, even hallucinations and this can lead to seizures and decreased consciousness,” says Pollock.
Thankfully heat related illnesses are preventable and Pollock says it very important to know that.
She recommends that people try and stay cool, drink plenty of cool non-alcoholic fluids, and plan outdoor activities around the cooler time periods during the day before 11 am and after 4 pm.
“With children it’s very, very important that they not be left in a parked car because those temperatures in those cars can raise very extremely, and just in general wearing sunscreen, avoiding getting sunburned, and wearing light, loose fitting clothing.”
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