Higher temperatures are expected to hit the city and area this upcoming long weekend and Alberta Health Services has offered some tips to help stay cool and beat the heat.
With temperatures hovering in the high 20s and low 30s this weekend, Mila Luchak, Medical Officer of Health with Alberta Health Services South Zone, says to be mindful of symptoms in relation to the heat, like heat rash, muscle cramps, swelling of the legs and hands. This can also progress into heat exhaustion which involves more fatigue, weakness, and headaches. Heat stroke is also something that can happen if out in the sun too long without protection of some sort, this means the cores body temperature can rise to 40 degrees or higher and needs medical attention.
Should someone find themselves having one or some of the symptoms above, Luchak says moving to a shaded area to cool down and drink water to stay hydrated.
She also recommends wearing clothing that covers the skin, hats, and re-applying sunscreen is key.
“Individuals can wear long clothing that protects the skin from the sun, wearing a hat as well that’s more wide brim, wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes and making sure those glasses have UV protection and wearing sunscreen that has UVA and UVB protection with spf 30.”
Staying indoors during the peak time of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. can also help fight the heat, along with staying hydrated and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake.
With the current air quality in the city, Luchak suggests staying hydrated and being mindful of any advisories and watching out for symptoms like eyes, throat, nose irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing with the smoke in the air.
