The Office of the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer is reminding Manitobans to prepare for exposure to heat and ultraviolet rays from the sun this summer.
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, rarely, death may occur.
Symptoms of overexposure to sun and heat can include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness or tiredness, confusion, rapid breathing and rapid pulse.
Be prepared and plan how you are going to cope with the heat. When the temperature rises, heat illnesses can be prevented by:
• drinking plenty of water or other liquids before feeling thirsty;
• avoiding too much sun and preventing sunburn;
• planning energetic outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day;
• finding a cool place to go;
• taking a cool bath or shower;
• checking on family members, neighbours and friends when it gets hot, especially older adults and people with chronic conditions;
• not leaving dependents or pets alone in closed vehicles or direct sunlight; and
• limiting alcohol consumption.
If any of these symptoms are associated with heat or sun exposure, move to a cool or shaded place immediately, lie down, sip water and sponge with cool water. Emergency medical attention may be required depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. For more information on heat is available online.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other sources, like tanning beds, can be a health risk. Overexposure – particularly in individuals who are fair-skinned or freckle easily, with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications, or in children, teenagers and young adults – can lead to sunburns, premature skin aging, other skin changes and skin cancer. Sunburn also reduces the ability to cope with heat. Eye conditions such as cataracts can also result from UV exposure.
Manitobans can protect themselves from exposure to UV rays by:
• wearing a broad-brimmed hat and appropriate clothing to reduce sun exposure, especially between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.;
• applying sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15, to all exposed skin, according to the instructions on the label;
• reapplying sunscreen at regular intervals, especially if in the water or sweating;
• covering babies and keeping them in the shade, and avoid using sunscreen on babies;
• wearing sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection; and
• avoiding the use of artificial UV tanning equipment.
The daily UV index forecast can help Manitobans decide how much protection is needed when planning outdoor activities. For more information is available online.
