News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         July 6, 2010

Heat Advisory

With our current high temperatures and smog advisory in place, Public Health advises people to take care against heat and pollution related illness.

Current heat, humidity and smog conditions heighten the risk of heat related illnesses including heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Smog episodes create eye irritation, respiratory symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath and worsening of heart or lung conditions.

People who are experiencing physical distress because of the heat should seek medical attention.

The City of Owen Sound has opened the Library, the Bayshore Community Centre and City Hall as public cooling centers; water will be available at all three locations. These centers provide good opportunities to get out of the heat and cool down for a little while. Other opportunities across Grey and Bruce include public buildings such as libraries, or other air-conditioned buildings such as malls or cinemas. Contact your local municipality to find out about cooling centers in your area.

Here are tips to help you keep cool:

Drink plenty of fluids. Water is your best choice. Choose drinks that do not contain alcohol or high amounts of sugar as they can cause you to lose body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks as they can cause stomach cramps.

Stay cool indoors. Keep shades drawn over sun-facing windows and use fans to move the air. Close windows during the day and open at night to allow circulation of cool air if nighttime temperatures are cool enough. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, spend a few hours at a library, gallery, cinema, mall or other building that is kept cool during the day. Take a cool shower or bath. Use your stove and oven less often.

Dress lightly. Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Use sunscreen and lip balm with a SPF of 30 or higher.

Limit outdoor activity. Plan your day to limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Try to rest in the shade. If working outside, schedule your heaviest work during the coolest part of the day.

Pace yourself. Rest frequently to allow your body to cool.

Be a buddy. At work, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do that for you. Check with family, friends and neighbours at least once a day. It is important to have regular contact with people who have difficulty dealing with heat.

Use common sense. Do not leave infants, children or pets in a parked car. Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shady area.

Restrict the use of gasoline-powered equipment. Leave lawn mowing for another day.

For further information, look under Health Hazard at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

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For more information:

Angela Newman

Manager, Health Hazard

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1252