With predicted extreme temperatures, Public Health advises people to take care against heat related illness.

Heat and humidity heighten the risk of heat related illnesses including heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

People who are experiencing physical distress because of the heat should seek medical attention.

Municipalities across Grey and Bruce are opening public buildings as cooling centres. These centers provide good opportunities to get out of the heat and cool down for a little while. Contact your local municipality to find out about cooling centers in your area.

Here are some tips to help keep you cool:

Drink plenty of fluids. Water is your best choice. Choose drinks that do not contain alcohol or high amounts of sugar as they can cause you to lose body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks as they can cause stomach cramps.

Stay cool indoors. Keep shades drawn over sun-facing windows and use fans to move the air. Close windows during the day and open at night to allow circulation of cool air if nighttime temperatures are cool enough. If you do not have air conditioning at home, spend a few hours at a library, cinema, mall or other building that is kept cool during the day. Take a cool shower or bath. Use your stove and oven less often.

Dress lightly. Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Use sunscreen and lip balm with a SPF of 30 or higher.

Limit outdoor activity. Plan your day to limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Try to rest in the shade. If working outside, schedule your heaviest work during the coolest part of the day.

Pace yourself. Rest frequently to allow your body to cool.

Be a friend. At work, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do that for you. Check with family, friends and neighbours, especially elderly neighbours, at least once a day. It is important to have regular contact with people who have difficulty dealing with heat.

Use common sense. Do not leave infants, children or pets in a parked car. Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shady area.

For further information, look on our website under Climate Change

source: media release, GBHU