The latest Environment Canada forecast for London and Middlesex calls for temperatures to reach 34º Celsius tomorrow and remain hot and humid throughout this coming weekend, meeting the threshold for the Middlesex-London Health Unit to issue an Extended Heat Warning. This warning will remain in effect until the morning of Monday, July 22nd, when temperatures are predicted to drop below threshold criteria.

Extended Heat Warnings are initiated when one or more of these criteria are met:

• Environment Canada issues a forecast calling for a high of 31º Celsius or higher with a minimum low of 20º Celsius or higher for three consecutive days or longer, or;
• Environment Canada issues a forecast calling for a Humidex of 40 or higher for three consecutive days or longer.

Weather conditions which combine heat and humidity can have a serious negative effect on people’s health. The Health Unit recommends that people limit the time they spend outdoors, that they avoid strenuous outdoor activity, seek shade or air-conditioned spaces when they can and that they drink water to stay hydrated. Overexposure to heat and humidity can lead to symptoms including headache, confusion, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, and muscle or abdominal cramps. Anyone who finds they are suffering symptoms associated with extreme temperature conditions should seek medical attention immediately either by calling 911 or going to the nearest Emergency Department.

The Health Unit recommends the following tips to avoid the risks of heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of water and natural juices throughout the day, even if you don't feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink.
• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, as well as coffee, tea and cola.
• When possible, avoid spending too much time outdoors. If you must be outside, seek shade as much as possible. Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Avoid turning on electric lights in your home.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing.
• Avoid eating heavy meals and using your oven.
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during extended periods of excessive heat.
• Reduce the use of personal vehicles and stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.

Visit: www.healthunit.com/extreme-heat for more information on heat-related illness.

Media Contact:
Linda Stobo, Manager, Chronic Disease Prevention and Tobacco Control, Middlesex-London
Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2388 or 519-617-0169 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector, Middlesex-London Health Unit