Summer in Quebec brings its share of very hot weather and heat waves. As the years go by, our summers are becoming hotter and more humid, often causing problems for the population. The impact of such heat affects everyone, but especially the elderly, infants and children, people taking medication, the vulnerable, or those who work or exercise outdoors during heat waves. Find out how heat affects your body and how to protect yourself.

The human body

We call it a “heat wave” when the temperature and humidity levels exceed the seasonal norm for several days. Normal body temperature is 37° C or 98.6° F, so on days when it is over 25° degrees C, our bodies overheat. However, rest assured, the human body is well made, so our body’s mechanism for fighting heat is activated: blood flow increases and the body perspires. And sweating makes it possible for the heat to be released through evaporation and through the water evacuated from the body.

However, too much heat will affect the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, which can lead to certain minor or major problems: dehydration, exhaustion, sunstroke, heatstroke, serious illness or even death.

Heat stroke

Here are the symptoms to look for if you suspect heat stroke or sunstroke. Heat stroke is more serious and requires medical attention. When the symptoms are less severe, it is called sunstroke. In the case of one or more minor symptoms, take shelter in a cool, ventilated area, stay well hydrated and rest. You can even spray yourself with water to cool down.

• Headaches
• Staggering when you walk
• Intense thirst
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Deterioration of intellectual and physical abilities
• Fever over 40° C
• Accelerated pulse and breathing
• Drop in blood pressure
• Coma

Dehydration

Did you know that with age, the body sweats less and less? This is why older people are more likely to become dehydrated, because they don’t feel as thirsty as younger people do. Infants are also at risk, because they can’t express it. In addition, taking certain medications can also increase water loss or make dehydration worse. Similarly, excessive mineral loss can cause exhaustion.

It is then necessary to compensate for the loss of water and mineral salts with “home-made” rehydration solutions or those available at the pharmacy. If your urine is dark or you haven’t urinated in several hours, this is also a sign that you are low on water.

How can you protect yourself from the adverse effects of heat or dehydration?

1. Drink water regularly.
2. Avoid sugary drinks, coffee and alcohol.
3. Eat enough and properly.
4. Wear a hat or cap.
5. Wet your body several times a day (pool, body of water, shower, etc.).
6. Maintain a cool temperature in your home and ventilate as much as possible.
7. Plan your outings and trips to avoid the hottest times of the day (around noon and early afternoon).
8. If you don’t have access to air conditioning, take advantage of it by going out and doing your shopping, going to the movies or to the library in your neighbourhood. In short, visit places that have air conditioning.
9. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest times of the day.
10. Wet your clothes or your head covering to keep cool.

If you think you are suffering from the heat and notice worrisome symptoms, call Info-Santé at 811 or contact your pharmacist or doctor.