The first heat wave of the summer will impact much of the Maritime provinces this week.
Daytime highs in the low to mid-30s will feel closer to 40 when you factor in the humidity.
The Canadian Red Cross has some tips to help you beat the heat and the humidity.
Program Advisor Michael Nemeth said trying to stay cool and keeping yourself hydrated is key.
“Drinking lots of water, but make sure that with that water, you do augment it with a sports energy drink, Gatorade being a key example,” said Nemeth.
“When you perspire, you are losing a lot of chemicals from your body, salt being a key one. So for every three bottles of water, have some energy drink in there to supplement some of that lost sodium as well.”
Nemeth said you should avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, which typically runs from late morning to late afternoon.
If you do have to be outdoors, wear light clothing, slow down your activities, and take frequent breaks in a cool or shady area.
Keeping your house cool during a heat wave can be challenging, particularly for those who do not have air conditioning.
“If they have a fan in the house, by all means, utilize a fan, keep the windows cracked open just a little bit and blinds and curtains down, that will be a key thing as well,” said Nemeth.
The Canadian Red Cross said it is also important to check in with your neighbours, friends, and those at risk to ensure they are doing OK.
Nemeth said a person suffering from heat illness will go through three stages: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
“Heat cramps is when your muscles will start cramping up. That means that your sodium levels are starting to become slightly diminished. So hydrate lots and lots,” he said.
Heat exhaustion is when you start perspiring a lot more. And then heat stroke is obviously the critical time. And that’s when you’re going to be not perspiring at all. That’s when your body can heat up rapidly.”
Symptoms of heat illness include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heart rate, and extreme thirst.
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