As the warm days of summer are approaching, the Office of the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer is reminding Manitobans to prepare for exposure to heat and the sun’s rays.
Heat affects the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. The body is always trying to keep a consistent temperature (about 37 C or 98.6 F) but if exposure to heat is prolonged, dehydration, exhaustion, other serious illnesses or death may occur.
Be prepared. Heat illnesses can be prevented by following these steps when the temperature rises:
• Drink plenty of water or other liquids before feeling thirsty.
• Avoid too much sun. Plan energetic outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.
• To reduce sun exposure, use an umbrella or wide-brimmed hat and wear loose-fitting and breathable light-coloured clothing.
• Have a cool place to go to.
• Take a cool bath or shower.
• Check on family members, neighbours and friends when it gets hot, especially older adults and people with chronic conditions.
• Do not leave dependents or pets alone in closed vehicles or direct sunlight.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
Prolonged heat exposure can lead to a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to more severe including headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness or tiredness, confusion, rapid breathing, or rapid pulse.
If any of these symptoms are associated with heat or sun exposure, move to a cool or shaded place immediately, drink sips of water, lie down and sponge with cool water. Emergency medical attention may be required depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Go online for more information on heat.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other sources, like tanning beds, can be a health risk. Over-exposure – particularly in individuals who are fair skinned or freckle easily, in individuals with certain medical conditions or on certain medications or in children, teenagers and young adults – can lead to sunburns, changes to the immune system and skin cancer. Sunburn also reduces your ability to cope with heat. Eye conditions such as cataracts can also result from UV exposure.
To protect from exposure to UV rays, whether it’s sunny or cloudy:
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat and appropriate clothing to reduce sun exposure, especially between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Apply sunscreen, minimum SPF 15, to all exposed skin, according to the instructions on the label.
• Reapply sunscreen at regular intervals, especially if in the water or sweating.
• Avoid using sunscreen on babies. Cover them and keep them in the shade instead.
• Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.
The daily UV index forecast can help Manitobans decide how much protection is needed when planning outdoor activities. Go online for more information.
