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Heat warning in effect for next several days

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Public Health Sudbury & Districts is advising the public that a heat warning has been issued from Environment and Climate Change Canada beginning June 30 and extending for the next several days. The areas affected will be Greater Sudbury and vicinity; Markstay, including Warren and St. Charles; and West-Nipissing and French River.
Heat warnings are issued when the forecast rises for two days to 29 degrees Celsius or above during the day and 18 degrees Celsius or above at night, or the humidex is 36 or above.
The warning notes that, “Continuous exposure to high levels of heat can lead to dehydration and illness such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash, heat cramps (muscle cramps), and even death.”
Those at risk include: older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses, homeless people, those using alcohol or illicit drugs and people who work or exercise in the heat. It is recommended that anyone taking medications or having a heart condition should consult their doctor to determine if they are at increased risk from the heat.
To prevent heat related illnesses people should drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before they feel thirsty, to decrease their risk of dehydration. This does not apply to babies under six months of age; however they might need to be fed more often. Children over six months should drink frequently.
Activities should be planned for the cooler parts of the day. Clothing should be loose fitting, light coloured and made of breathable fabric. Since a parked vehicle can get quite hot, children and pets should not be left unattended, even with the windows down. Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place. A cool bath or shower or cool, wet towels used periodically will also help beat the heat. Block the sun by closing awnings, curtains, or blinds during the day. If going outside avoid sun exposure by wearing wide-brimmed breathable hat or use an umbrella. It is also a good idea to prepare meals that don’t require using an oven. Those who are older, or chronically ill, should be checked on frequently to make sure they are cool and hydrated.
Symptoms of a heat related illness include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst and decreased urination, which is usually a dark yellow. If these symptoms present themselves, contact a health care professional, friend or family member for help. If it becomes an emergency, call 911.

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