News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         Aug. 1, 2006

Heat Advisory

With ongoing high temperatures and smog in the forecast, 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.

To assist residents without access to air conditioning the city of Owen Sound is setting up cooling stations a the Bayshore Community Centre (1900 3^rd ave. East) and the North Grey Union Public Library (824 1^st Ave. West). The cooling stations will remain open during normal business hours. Water is available at both locations.

People who are experiencing physical distress because of the heat should seek medical attention by calling 911 or going to an Emergency Department. 

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. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, spend a few hours at a library, gallery, 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 a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and an SPF lip balm.

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 and leave lawn mowing for another day.

For further information, look under Health Hazard at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca and to find out what beaches are open in the region visit http://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Water/BeachSafety/unsafebeaches.htm

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For more information:

Chris Munn

Manager, Health Hazard

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800 263-3456 ext. 235