With temperatures expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius for the next two days, plus high humidity, a doctor is encouraging all of us to stay hydrated and to know the warning signs of overheating.
Dr. Aly Dhala is Chief Medical Officer for Southern Health. He says on really hot days, it is suggested to limit strenuous activity to the cooler parts of the day. Dr. Dhala encourages avoiding the really hot periods when the sun is out.
He notes it is also important to maintain good food intake. This includes drinking plenty of water but also making sure you are consuming electrolytes if you plan to be outdoors for prolonged periods.
Dr. Dhala also encourages accessing public indoor spaces or places with air conditioning, just to get a break from the heat.
Dr. Dhala says there is a spectrum of heat-related injuries and illnesses. He says though many of them are non-specific, they always happen in the context of prolonged heat exposure. Dr. Dhala says to watch for heat swelling or heat edema, which is when our blood vessels dilate. This looks like swelling of the feet, ankles, and hands and can last for a few days.
Another warning sign of overheating can come in the form of a rash. He notes this can be an itchy, red rash over areas of the body that are normally clothed. Dr. Dhala explains that this can happen because of sweat ducts in the skin becoming dilated and expanding. That rash is typically treated with an antihistamine or allergy-type medication.
Other warning signs include heat cramps, which are muscle cramps that can occur anywhere on the body. However, they most commonly happen on the legs.
"These are muscle cramps related to the loss of water and salts in our body to prolonged heat exposure," he says.
Then there is heat exhaustion or heat stress. Dr. Dhala says this is on the same spectrum as heat stroke, which can be a fatal presentation of prolonged heat exposure.
Dr. Dhala adds that our brains are quite sensitive to temperature and heat and when the body starts to overheat, it can cause neurological symptoms. He notes the symptoms can be non-specific, such as confusion, changes to behaviour, balance issues, and seizures.
To try and prevent a heat-related injury or illness, Dr. Dhala says it goes back to what your mother told you as a kid; wear a hat and drink plenty of water.
"Maintaining good hydration, wearing a hat, and managing your time when you are exposed out in those conditions," he says. "Avoiding prolonged periods of exposure to heat is really important."
Dr. Dhala also suggests avoiding alcohol as that can lead to dehydration. He adds certain medications can also lead to an increased risk of heat-related injury or illness.
Dr. Dhala says blood pressure medications and certain types of antidepressants can blunt our body's ability to make sweat, which is how the body manages heat. For those who are on these types of medication, he advises to be extra cautious if spending time in the heat.
Those most at risk of heat-related injury or illness include children and the elderly. He notes children are at risk because they do not always know how to communicate their feelings and are quick to dehydrate. As for the elderly, they can be on certain types of medications which increase the risk and can prevent the body from generating sweat.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dhala encourages the public to regularly check on elderly family members, friends and neighbours, especially if they are living alone or do not have air conditioning. Also, he suggests that those with a loved one on medication, should consult their physician to make sure they are doing all they can to reduce the risk.