Allie Hope Coveny-Filion and Trevor Filion rip around the South Saskatchewan River in a jet ski on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. -- NEWS PHOTO RYAN MCCRACKEN
rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com@MHNMcCracken
A heat warning has been issued for Medicine Hat and surrounding areas in the middle of what’s shaping up to be a sweltering week.
Given the recent uptick in outdoor recreation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic – coupled with temperatures hovering around the mid-30s for the better part of the next week – Dr. Lizette Elumir with Alberta Health Services says it is important for Albertans to keep an eye on symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke when they venture outdoors this week.
“That’s what we’re dealing with right now, balance of risks,” said Elumir, South Zone medical officer of health. “I feel as though Albertans are very well adjusted to (heat), but it’s always good to have reminders about heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
Elumir says heat exhaustion is essentially an array of warning signs – including headaches, dehydration and aching – that can lead to a much larger issue, heat stroke.
“It’s an emergency that you have to go to emergency for,” said Elumir. “It’s just always a good reminder when you’re out in the heat to keep an eye on your symptoms because you’re always given warning signs ahead of time.”
Elumir added younger and older Albertans should keep an especially close eye on potential symptoms when spending time in the heat, as well as those working under the blazing sun.
“It’s very easy when you’re having a leisurely walk to keep an eye out on your symptoms, but when you’re working, obviously you can get focused on your work and forget,” said Elumir. “I’m just putting that out there for all those who are working outside, to keep very mindful of your symptoms, keep very hydrated and make sure you’re taking lots of breaks. Work with your employer to make sure they’re doing things like staggered shifts, or frequent breaks or frequent water.”
AHS confirmed Wednesday that Medicine Hat Regional Hospital has not had any admissions due to the heat so far this summer.
