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Hot, hot heat Health Canada warns record temperatures could pose health risks to children, seniors
Candace Thomson
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, August 14, 2013
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknifers were treated to record-breaking heat earlier this week, with Monday seeing temperatures as high as 28 C.
Lynn Taylor and her daughters Lydia Taylor, 9, and Jane Taylor, 10, enjoying the heat at Somba K'e Civic Plaza on Tuesday. The ladies planned to hit the lake after their walk and cool off in the water. - Candace Thomson/NNSL photo |
The historical record for Aug. 12 was set in 1951 at 27.8 C.
While residents may be taking advantage of the heat wave by enjoying the numerous outdoor activities, Health Canada is reminding people the heat brings a risk of illness with it.
Seniors, young children and the ill or disabled are especially vulnerable to heat diseases Health Canada stated in a 2011 document of strategies for communicating the health risks of extreme heat events.
Heat stroke is the most serious, but people can also suffer from heat exhaustion, heat fainting, rash and swelling.
Health Canada advises people to avoid long periods of heat exposure, to stay hydrated and keep homes cool by leaving blinds down during the day and avoiding cooking things that need to go in the oven.
Jeff Renaud, CEO of Avens, said the elderly are also more likely to have chronic medical conditions and be on prescription medication that could impair their ability to regulate temperature.
"Heat stroke is serious," said Renaud. "The best thing I can advise people to do is drink lots of fluids, wear light clothing, and stay in a cool environment close to floor level if they can."
Young children are vulnerable to heat because their bodies don't regulate higher temperatures as well as adults and they depend on their caregivers to recognize when heat is starting to become a health risk.
"It's important to pound that information into people," said Lynn Taylor, while on a walk through Somba K'e Civic Plaza with her daughters Lydia, 9, and Jane, 10, on Tuesday. The girls had plans to head to the lake later that day, which had a high temperature of 24 C.
Taylor said they had methods in their house to keep people cool, aside from fans.
"Go into the basement, have a cool bath before you go to bed, and lots of Mr. Freeze's and water," she said.
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