• Provincial review

News Release: June 15, 2018

Protect Your Health this Summer

BRAMPTON, ON (June 15, 2018) – The summer of 2018 looks to be a hot and humid one. With this, the Region of Peel wants to remind residents to take precautions to ensure their outdoor activities are safe and enjoyable.

“During the summer, and especially during heat events, we encourage our residents to take steps to keep cool, and check-in on friends, family and neighbours who may be vulnerable,” says Dr. Jessica Hopkins, Medical Officer of Health at the Region of Peel. “In particular, some residents with the greatest risks of heat-related illness are infants and young children, seniors, people with chronic diseases and those who are experiencing homeless.”

Signs of heat-related illness include rapid breathing and heartbeat, dizziness or fainting, vomiting, extreme thirst, decreased urination, and unusually dark yellow urine.

People experiencing any of these ill effects should cool off as soon as possible by moving to a shaded or air-conditioned area, increasing fluid intake and resting. If the symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Heat stroke is a more serious condition characterized by high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, and/or the absence of sweating. Call 911 immediately if someone in your care is exhibiting these signs.

Heat-related illnesses can be prevented by following these simple tips:

• Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.
• Avoid strenuous activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its hottest.
• Wear light-weight, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car.
• Follow the recommendations of a health care provider if you are taking any medications or have a health condition.
• Take cool showers or baths, or use cool, wet towels on the face, neck and/or arms.

The Region of Peel’s Medical Officer of Health issues a heat warning when there are at least two days of high temperatures or humidity putting people at greater risk of heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Listen to the media to ensure you protect your health, the health of those in your care, and the health of members of your community who may need assistance.

Poor air quality can also occur when it is very hot. When planning activities outdoors, learn what you can do to protect your health by checking the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) from the Weather Network.

For more information on heat-related illness, visit peelregion.ca/health/heat/.

Media Contacts:

Jeff LeMoine
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel
289-325-4700

Jessica Hopkins
MD MHSc CCFP FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health
905-791-7800 ext 2856