The days are getting longer, temperatures are softened and the sun becomes stronger; the summer is installed taking his ease. Besides the joys of the good weather, this may involve disadvantages. Indeed, periods of extreme heat waves and are becoming more common in Quebec and may have serious consequences for some people at risk.
The risks associated with extreme heat
In order to maintain constant temperature and to remove the heat, the body has mechanisms like sweating. If the body struggling to maintain its temperature within normal limits, some effects may occur. The following symptoms may occur:
headache;
cramps;
swelling of the hands, feet and ankles;
unusual tiredness or exhaustion;
general malaise.
If any, symptoms of dehydration may also occur, whose thirst, decreased urination, dark urine emission, dry skin and a rapid pulse and breathing. You must be careful and consult a health professional if you experience such symptoms.People at risk
Some people are more likely to suffer complications if exposed to high temperatures, such as:
babies and children under 5 years;
seniors;
pregnant women;
people with diminished autonomy living alone;
the chronically ill, such as people suffering from respiratory diseases;
individuals who have drinking or drug problems;
persons performing heavy physical labor outdoors, such as construction workers;
media workers, where processes are heat source, such as foundries or bakeries;
people who do strenuous exercise outdoors.
Children
Babies and children under 5 are among those most likely to suffer complications related to the heat. The deterioration of the health status of children, particularly toddlers, can occur rapidly and be difficult to perceive. We must be vigilant and seek medical attention if symptoms appear. When in doubt, do not hesitate to contact a healthcare professional. During extreme heat, it is important that your child remains well hydrated. Make him drink water regularly (every 20 minutes). In the case of breastfed children, increase the frequency of feedings. Also, protect your child from the heat by making him wear a hat and light clothing. Also avoid outdoor activities, especially between 10 am and 15 pm, the heat is most intense during this period.Risk factors
Certain factors increase the risk of discomfort due to heat. For example:
high humidity;
little wind or no wind;
an extreme heat event happens earlier in the summer (the body is not yet used to the heat early in the summer);
the fact of living in town (the temperature is generally higher than in the country).
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious complication from the adverse effects of heat. It occurs when the body fails to cool properly. It can occur suddenly during an extreme heat; must be treated quickly, because it is a medical emergency. Symptoms of heat stroke are:
fever greater than 39.5 ° C (temperature measured with an oral thermometer);
dry skin, pale or red and hot and cold;
dizziness or lightheadedness;
confusion, inconsistency about;
aggressive or bizarre behavior;
general malaise.
Preventive measures
Fortunately, some precautions can be taken to reduce the impact of heat on your health or that of your loved ones. Here are a few:
Stay hydrated by drinking enough at least six to eight glasses of water a day; if your doctor has made recommendations concerning hydration, respect them.
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can worsen dehydration.
Cool off with a swim often, taking a shower or a cool bath or applying a wet towel on your skin.
Minimize physical efforts.
Wear light clothing.
Spend as much time as possible in cool, air-conditioned places, such as shopping centers.
Ask about the health of your loved ones, especially those who are frail or live alone, to make sure they are doing well.
Watch emissions of heat waves notice or extreme heat alerts and follow the recommendations given by the authorities.
Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and those of dehydration.
In the presence of these signs or symptoms, or if you notice any other unusual, consult a professional without delay health.
With these few preventative measures, you will be able to enjoy the summer while limiting the risks associated with heat.
In order to maintain constant temperature and to remove the heat, the body has mechanisms like sweating. If the body struggling to maintain its temperature within normal limits, some effects may occur. The following symptoms may occur:
headache;
cramps;
swelling of the hands, feet and ankles;
unusual tiredness or exhaustion;
general malaise.
If any, symptoms of dehydration may also occur, whose thirst, decreased urination, dark urine emission, dry skin and a rapid pulse and breathing. You must be careful and consult a health professional if you experience such symptoms.People at risk
Some people are more likely to suffer complications if exposed to high temperatures, such as:
babies and children under 5 years;
seniors;
pregnant women;
people with diminished autonomy living alone;
the chronically ill, such as people suffering from respiratory diseases;
individuals who have drinking or drug problems;
persons performing heavy physical labor outdoors, such as construction workers;
media workers, where processes are heat source, such as foundries or bakeries;
people who do strenuous exercise outdoors.
Children
Babies and children under 5 are among those most likely to suffer complications related to the heat. The deterioration of the health status of children, particularly toddlers, can occur rapidly and be difficult to perceive. We must be vigilant and seek medical attention if symptoms appear. When in doubt, do not hesitate to contact a healthcare professional. During extreme heat, it is important that your child remains well hydrated. Make him drink water regularly (every 20 minutes). In the case of breastfed children, increase the frequency of feedings. Also, protect your child from the heat by making him wear a hat and light clothing. Also avoid outdoor activities, especially between 10 am and 15 pm, the heat is most intense during this period.Risk factors
Certain factors increase the risk of discomfort due to heat. For example:
high humidity;
little wind or no wind;
an extreme heat event happens earlier in the summer (the body is not yet used to the heat early in the summer);
the fact of living in town (the temperature is generally higher than in the country).
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious complication from the adverse effects of heat. It occurs when the body fails to cool properly. It can occur suddenly during an extreme heat; must be treated quickly, because it is a medical emergency. Symptoms of heat stroke are:
fever greater than 39.5 ° C (temperature measured with an oral thermometer);
dry skin, pale or red and hot and cold;
dizziness or lightheadedness;
confusion, inconsistency about;
aggressive or bizarre behavior;
general malaise.
Preventive measures
Fortunately, some precautions can be taken to reduce the impact of heat on your health or that of your loved ones. Here are a few:
Stay hydrated by drinking enough at least six to eight glasses of water a day; if your doctor has made recommendations concerning hydration, respect them.
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can worsen dehydration.
Cool off with a swim often, taking a shower or a cool bath or applying a wet towel on your skin.
Minimize physical efforts.
Wear light clothing.
Spend as much time as possible in cool, air-conditioned places, such as shopping centers.
Ask about the health of your loved ones, especially those who are frail or live alone, to make sure they are doing well.
Watch emissions of heat waves notice or extreme heat alerts and follow the recommendations given by the authorities.
Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and those of dehydration.
In the presence of these signs or symptoms, or if you notice any other unusual, consult a professional without delay health.
With these few preventative measures, you will be able to enjoy the summer while limiting the risks associated with heat.
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