With very hot, humid weather in the forecast for this week, the Health Unit is warning residents of the five Eastern Counties to take special care to prevent heat-related illness.

During extremely hot and humid weather, anyone can suffer heat-related illness when their body is unable to compensate for the extreme temperatures and cannot properly cool. But some groups are more vulnerable than others, including young children, the elderly, people who exercise vigorously or who are involved in strenuous work outdoors for prolonged periods, individuals on medication and the chronically ill.

There are a number of things that people can do to prevent heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar.

• Stay indoors. Stay cool by taking cool showers or wetting your hands, face and the back of your neck.

• Wear light, loose fitting clothes, a hat and sunscreen when outdoors.

• Avoid vigorous exercise in the heat (this includes children as well). If you have a young child, or a child with a chronic respiratory condition such as asthma, do not allow them to participate in sporting events or to exercise during heat waves, especially when there is a heat/humidity advisory in effect.

• Keep your home cool by limiting the use of your oven/stove.

• Turn off unnecessary lights.

• Keep windows slightly open during the day.

• At night, open windows wide to cool the house.

• Never leave children or pets in a parked car.

• If your home does not have air-conditioning, take breaks from the heat by going to air-conditioned buildings; grocery stores and shopping malls are great options.

• Check up regularly on friends, family and/or neighbours who may be at high risk during a heat wave.

Extreme heat can cause many health problems, including cramps, dizziness, headache, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if left untreated.

For the complete list of tips and warning signs of illness, visit www.eohu.ca and click on the Environment section, or call 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120 and ask for Health Line.