From the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit

With high heat and humidity continuing over the next few days, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reminds people to put some precautions in place to protect their health.

Infants and young children, people 65 years and older, people with chronic lung conditions and those on certain medications are the most vulnerable to heat-related illness. Try these measures to keep you and your family healthy during a heat wave:

· be sure to drink plenty of fluids (non-caffeinated). Don’t wait until you feel thirsty – that’s a sign that your body is already becoming dehydrated

· stay cool indoors and if possible, seek out an air-conditioned place

· if you must be outside, stay in the shade and make sure you wear  and reapply sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing

· electric fans provide comfort by increasing evaporation, however when the conditions are extreme, fans will not prevent heat-related illness

· keep physical activity to a minimum

· draw blinds/curtains to prevent radiant heat from entering homes
The initial signs of heat exhaustion include feeling hot, uncomfortable or lethargic, and experiencing a loss of appetite. If symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, throbbing headache, chest pain, dry skin (no sweating), problem breathing and/or confusion develop, you should seek medical attention.

More detailed information about coping with extreme heat can be found on the health unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.  Look under “Health and Your Environment” in the topics list and scroll down to Outdoor Air.

You can also call Your Health Connection, at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.