Heat wave: Be causious!

How to stay cool in a heat wave?

• Identify someone to call in case there is a problem;
• Keep an eye on the weather and use a thermometer to check the temperature inside your home, especially when the temperature reaches 30 degrees C or 86 degrees F or higher and does not cool off at night.

When it’s very hot:

• Spend some time in a cool place (use an air conditioner to cool your home or spend a few hours in an air-conditioned place such as a shopping centre or movie theatre).
• Drink a lot of water ­– don’t wait until you’re thirsty
• Avoid beverages that cause dehydratation: drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine (coffee, the, colas) or a lot of sugar.
• Reduce physical effort
• Protect yourself against the sun: wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing and a hat.

When it’s very hot, seniors’ health can deteriorate. Therefore, it is recommended to:

• Spend a few hours in an air-conditioned or cool place
• Drink a lot of water even before you feel thirsty or in quantities indicated by your doctor
• Reduce physical effort
• Let someone know how you are on a regular basis
• Take cool showers or baths as often as needed or cool off using a damp facecloth

In case of general discomfort, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, difficulty breathing, chest pain or swelling in the legs, contact a doctor or call Info-Santé at 811 for health advice.

In case of emergency, call 911.

For more information: http://www.santepub-mtl.qc.ca/Environnement/chaleur/english/preventive.html