Windsor Essex County Health Unit
Stay Cool Windsor-Essex: Staying safe and healthy in the heat
Each year we look forward to the
summer, to get outside and have some fun.
Whether you're gardening, exercising,
playing sports, going for a picnic or to the
beach, it's important to Stay Cool, and
prepare for the health risks of being out in
the heat. For most people, heat-related
illnesses happen when temperatures are
high for a number of days (particularly if
the night time temperatures do not drop),
or if the humidity is high.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
issues heat warnings to inform residents of
extreme heat events with the Stay Cool
Windsor-Essex program. Heat warnings are
issued to residents when our area
experiences extreme temperatures. When
heat warnings are issued, you should take
extra precautions to protect yourself and
loved ones from heat-related health risks.
While the health risks related to heat
are higher for certain groups (such as
seniors, young children, people taking
certain medications and people with
chronic conditions), everyone is potentially
at risk. Fortunately, most heat-related
illnesses can be prevented or treated if you
are aware of the risks, signs and symptoms.
The following information can help you to
plan ahead, and take action to protect
yourself and your family.
Heat illness often starts with heat
edema, heat rash and heat cramps. This can
progress to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
These are the signs and symptoms to look
for:
Heat Edema
• Swelling of the hands and feet
Heat Rash (Prickly Heat)
• An area of small, itchy spots on the skin
Heat Cramps
• Painful muscle contractions following
exercise in the heat
• Cramps begin an hour or more after
you stop exercising
• Most often affects the muscles in the
legs (calves and thighs) and stomach
Heat Exhaustion
• Cool, moist, pale, flushed or red skin
• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Exhaustion
• Body temperature may be normal
Anyone with these symptoms should
find a cool place to rest and drink plenty of
fluids.
Heat Stroke
• Hot, red, and dry skin
• Changes in consciousness
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Body temperature may be very high
Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke is
a medical emergency. Call 911
immediately if you are caring for someone
who has a high body temperature and is
either unconscious, confused or has stopped
sweating.
While waiting for help - cool the person
right away by moving them to a cool place, if
you can; applying cool water to large areas
of the skin or clothing; and fanning the
person as much as possible.
Heat-related illnesses are preventable.
You can prevent a heat illness by following
these tips to stay cool:
• Monitor local weather forecasts and
warnings regularly – Stay up to date by
visiting
www.StayCoolWindsor-Essex.com or
by following the Windsor-Essex County
Health Unit on Facebook or Twitter
• Drink plenty of water
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and
lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
• Take a cool bath or shower
• Limit outdoor activities to the coolest
part of the day
• Do not leave children, adults or pets in
parked cars
• Arrange for regular visits by family
members, neighbours or friends during
very hot days in case you need
assistance
• If you have an air conditioner, make
sure it works properly before the hot
weather starts. Otherwise, find an
air-conditioned spot close by, where
you can cool off for a few hours during
very hot days (e.g., local pool, library,
recreational centre, mall). Call 211 for
available options
• Learn about ways to keep your home
cool during the summer (e.g., keep
window shades or drapes drawn and
blinds closed on the sunny side of your
home)
Visit www.StayCoolWindsor-Essex.com to find more information about protecting
yourself and your family during extreme heat
6 The HUB -May 2016