Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care is reminding Manitobans to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness. Hot conditions have been occurring in parts of northern Manitoba since the weekend, with higher temperatures forecast to continue into tomorrow and possibly longer. The communities of Brochet, Tadoule Lake, Gillam, Island Lake, Shamattawa, Churchill and York have been experiencing daytime temperatures of 29 C or higher during the day and overnight temperatures higher than 16 C.
During periods of prolonged heat like this, older adults, people with chronic illness and people living alone have a particularly high risk for heat illness especially if they do not have air conditioning or other means of cooling. Heat illness can continue even after the period of higher temperatures has passed.
Everyone is at risk for the effects of heat, though health risks are greatest for:
-older adults;
-infants and young children;
-people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or mental illnesses;
-people who work or exercise in the heat; and
-people living alone.
Heat waves may coincide with wildfires and poor air quality. For most people, heat exposure is more dangerous than smoke. If planning to stay indoors during those conditions, it may be safer to keep windows open to stay cool.
Heat illnesses are preventable. The health effects of heat can be reduced by:
-drinking plenty of liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty;
-wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat;
-planning outdoor activities during cooler times of the day;
-limiting alcohol consumption;
-avoiding sun exposure and consider cancelling or rescheduling outdoor activities;
-never leaving children or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight;
-going to a cool place such as a mall, community centre, public library or place of worship;
-taking a cool shower or bath; or
-blocking sun out by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.
Watch for symptoms of heat illness:
-regularly check on neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are ill, or living alone, to make sure they are cool and drinking water; and if dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, headache or fast breathing occur during high temperatures, immediately move to a cool place and drink water. Emergency medical care may be needed depending on the severity of symptoms.
If emergency medical care is needed for someone who has a high body temperature, is unconscious or confused, call for help. While waiting for help, cool the person right away by:
-moving them to a cool place if you can,
-applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing, and
-fanning the person as much as possible.
For more information on heat and health, call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257 or visit the following links:
Manitoba Health: Heat and Your Health | Health | Province of Manitoba
Health Canada: Extreme heat events: Overview – Canada.ca
For workplace concerns: Home | SAFE Work Manitoba (safemanitoba.com)
Updated weather forecasts are available from Environment and Climate Change Canada at Canadian Weather – Environment Canada
