Heat wave brings risk of heat-related illnesses: Interior Health

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The health authority added that the first heat wave of the season brings a higher risk of people overheating because they are not yet acclimated to the warmer weather.

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Those most at risk of heat-related illness include:

• Older adults, especially people over the age of 60
• People who live alone
• People with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease
• People with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression or anxiety
• People with substance use disorders
• People with limited mobility
• People who are marginally housed
• People who work in hot environments
• People who are pregnant
• Infants and young children

In order to protect themselves and loved ones, IH recommends people find ways to cool down when too hot; drink plenty of water; avoid strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day; stay in the shade, and use sunscreen when in the sun.

Overheating, which has symptoms that include feeling unwell, headache and dizziness, can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Anyone with these symptoms is advised to take immediate action to cool down.

Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, severe headache, muscle cramps, extreme thirst and dark urine. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should move into a cooler environment, drink plenty of water, rest, and use water to cool down the body.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and anyone experiencing this should call 911, though IH does note that people should be responsible when calling for medical assistance to avoid overwhelming the system.

IH recommends people dial 911 only for serious or life-threatening symptoms related to heat illness, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, convulsions, severe headache, confusion, loss of thirst, unsteadiness, nausea and vomiting.

In the event of less urgent health issues, people can call 811 to connect with a nurse at Health Link B.C. There are also online tools available for people to check their symptoms.

The province also has information related to preparing for extreme heat events online.

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