High Heat, Humidity Can Cause Health Problems
The Department of Health is advising people in Cape Breton to follow some basic heat safety precautions today, July 19, to avoid illness due to high heat and humidity.
The humidex is above 40 C in Cape Breton, Richmond and Victoria counties, increasing the risk of heat stress and other heat-related illnesses.
Those most at risk of getting sick as a result of high heat and humidity are preschoolers, adults aged 65 or older, people of any age who overexert themselves during work or exercise, and people who are sick or on certain medications.
Heat-related illnesses occur when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but when the humidity and temperature are high, sweating may not be effective enough. Signs of heat illness include rapid breathing, headache, weakness or fainting, confusion and more tiredness than usual.
The most severe effect on health is heat stroke. A person suffering from heat stroke has a high body temperature -- above 40 C -- hot, dry skin and dizziness or confusion.
"We encourage all people to stay out of the sun and heat as much as possible during this time," said Dr. Maureen Baikie, Nova Scotia's deputy chief medical officer of health. "If you must be outside, plan your activities either in the early morning or in the evening, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, and use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when outdoors."
Dr. Baikie suggests that employers offer adequate breaks for staff working outdoors or in places that are not air-conditioned. She also said that organizers of sport and recreational activities should build in adequate water breaks or should strongly consider rescheduling activities. Dehydration can increase the risk for heat-related illnesses.
People who are most at risk should spend a few hours in cool or air-conditioned locations or take cool showers or baths. Fans may not be effective when the temperature and humidity are very high.
Similar in concept to winter's wind-chill factor, the humidex is a measure developed by meteorologists to describe how heat and relative humidity combine to make it feel hotter than it actually is. The humidex takes into account the two most important factors that affect summer comfort -- temperature and humidity -- and is therefore a better measure of how stifling the air feels. For important heat safety tips, see the website at www.gov.ns.ca/health/ocmoh . The daily humidex level can be found at www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/canada_e.html .