While many of us crave the summer heat and sunshine, there are limits to what our bodies can handle.
If we’re not careful about limiting our time in the sun and heat we can experience heat exhaustion or, in a worst-case scenario, heat stroke.
And, according to Dr. Eileen Burnett, Medical Officer of Health for the Northern Health Region, northerners may be more susceptible to these conditions.
Burnett said signs of heat illness include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headache, weakness and confusion.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, stop all activities, find a cool place and hydrate with water.
She says it’s important to take these signs seriously because excess heat can become life-threatening quickly.
High temperatures and wildfires are going hand-in-hand for some northern Manitoba communities, this summer especially.
Both present health risks and it’s important to be aware of how to manage those risks, especially for the elderly, infants, and those with conditions like asthma or COPD.
To keep wildfire smoke out of your home, keep windows closed and well-sealed, make sure you use a good-quality air filter if you have forced-air ventilation and set the H-VAC system to re-circulation mode.
Burnett also advises against using exhaust fans when you are not cooking.
