As heat waves become increasingly common across Canada, so too does the threat of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
This week, a heat dome that transforms cities into convection ovens is pushing into Canada, starting in Ontario and then moving on to Quebec and the Maritimes. Environment Canada is forecasting scorching temperatures that could feel like 45 C in parts of Ontario, issuing a heat warning for the area that spans London to Ottawa, stretching up to Sault Ste. Marie and as far north as Fort Albany.
Here is advice for how to keep yourself, your home and your pets cool during heat waves, plus information about the health risks that can be caused by extreme heat. In the long term, ensure any outdoor space, even just a small balcony, has some greenery. Artificial surfaces such as concrete absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes – a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. The difference in daytime surface temperatures between urban and rural areas can be as high as 15 degrees.
Heat exhaustion is caused by excessive loss of water and salt, and can cause heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, diarrhea and muscle cramps. A lab at the University of Ottawa is currently studying the effects of rising temperatures on human health, particularly among the elderly and those living with chronic illness. Trials showed older participants not only gained heat at a faster rate, but they also saw their temperatures plateau at a higher level than the younger subjects.
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