Latest news with #heatillness
CTV News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Heat and humidity warning continues
Environment Canada is warning of a scorching start to the work week. A multi-day heat event continues for much of southwestern Ontario, including Waterloo Region, Guelph, Brantford, Six Nations of the Grand River, Woodstock, Ingersoll and Tavistock. Monday will be the hottest, with daytime temperatures reaching 30 to 33 degrees Celsius. With the humidex, it could feel closer to 38 or 42. Overnight temperatures, meanwhile, are only expected to drop to 19 or 21 degrees Celsius. Environment Canada said the steamy conditions will continue into Tuesday, while Wednesday will bring an end to the heat event. Signs of heat illness Heat illness is a serious concern when the mercury rises, especially in older adults, infants, young children, pregnant people, those with physical or mental illnesses, people with mobility issues, those who work outside and the homeless community. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Headache Nausea or vomiting Dizziness or fainting Extreme thirst Dark urine and decreased urination Intense fatigue Confusion or lack of coordination Skin rash Muscle cramps Heavy sweating Rapid breathing and heartbeat Heat stroke, meanwhile, is considered a medical emergency. Those symptoms include: High body temperature Very hot, red skin Confusion or change in consciousness Dizziness or fainting If someone is experiencing heat stroke, experts advise moving them to a cool place, giving them water and placing ice packs on their body. Call 911 immediately. Beating the heat The key to avoiding heat illness is to plan ahead. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Know the weather forecast before going outside Modify your plans according to the weather Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, even before you feel thirsty Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, caffeine or alcohol Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric Seek shade Avoid sun exposure if you can Take breaks as needed Avoid using your oven Take a cool shower or bath Take a break by spending a few hours in a cool place Close blinds and shades, Turn on air conditioning or use a fan Cooling centres The best way to get relief from the heat and humidity is to seek out a designated cooling centre. The Region of Waterloo has locations listed on their website. They include libraries, community centres, museums and regional offices, as well as public swimming pools and splash pads. Guelph also has a list air-conditioned libraries and facilities open to the public, including the locations of splash pads and swimming pools in the community. A list of cooling centres, pools and splashpads in Brantford can be found here. Protecting your pets Leaving pets inside a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes, could be dangerous. Dogs can experience heatstroke, which could lead to organ failure and, ultimately, death. Signs of an overheated pet include: Excessive panting Drooling Vomiting Collapsing Lethargy Tongue can appear red or hang out of their mouth If your pet is suffering from the heat, it's a good idea to gradually cool them down. Experts suggest using a cool blanket or towel that is wet. Avoid using ice. Owners should keep pets at home when the temperature climbs but if they need to go outside, keep them off the pavement as much as possible, only go for a short walk, or take them out in the morning or evening when it's cooler.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Heat warning issued by Grand Erie Public Health 24 hours after cancelling last alert
The sun is shining in this undated stock image (Pixabay/Pexels). The Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has once again issued a heat warning for the Brantford-Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk regions. The alert was issued on Sunday at 11:16 a.m., 24 hours after the agency cancelled their last heat warning. Temperatures on Sunday were expected to reach up to 30 to 34 degrees Celsius in Brant County, feeling more like 35 with the humidex, according to Environment Canada. The weather agency also reported heat warnings in effect for much of southwestern Ontario, including Waterloo Region. They expected the heat and sunny conditions to continue into the week. GEPH said heat warnings are issued when daytime temperatures are expected to reach 31 degrees Celsius and above with overnight temperatures more than 20 degrees Celsius or when the humidex is expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius. Signs of heat illness Heat illness is a serious concern when the mercury rises, especially in older adults, infants, young children, pregnant people, those with physical or mental illnesses, people with mobility issues, those who work outside and the homeless community. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Headache Nausea or vomiting Dizziness or fainting Extreme thirst Dark urine and decreased urination Intense fatigue Confusion or lack of coordination Skin rash Muscle cramps Heavy sweating Rapid breathing and heartbeat Heat stroke, meanwhile, is considered a medical emergency. Those symptoms include: High body temperature Very hot, red skin Confusion or change in consciousness Dizziness or fainting If someone is experiencing heat stroke, experts advise moving them to a cool place, giving them water and placing ice packs on their body. Call 911 immediately. Beating the heat The key to avoiding heat illness is to plan ahead. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Know the weather forecast before going outside Modify your plans according to the weather Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, even before you feel thirsty Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, caffeine or alcohol Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric Seek shade Avoid sun exposure if you can Take breaks as needed Avoid using your oven Take a cool shower or bath Take a break by spending a few hours in a cool place Close blinds and shades, Turn on air conditioning or use a fan Cooling centres The best way to get relief from the heat and humidity is to seek out a designated cooling centre. The Region of Waterloo has locations listed on their website. They include libraries, community centres, museums and regional offices. The map also includes a list of public swimming pools and splash pads. Protecting your pets Leaving pets inside a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes, could be dangerous. Dogs can experience heatstroke, which could lead to organ failure and, ultimately, death. Signs of an overheated pet include: Excessive panting Drooling Vomiting Collapsing Lethargy Tongue can appear red or hang out of their mouth If your pet is suffering from the heat, it's a good idea to gradually cool them down. Experts suggest using a cool blanket or towel that is wet. Avoid using ice. Owners should keep pets at home when the temperature climbs but if they need to go outside, keep them off the pavement as much as possible, only go for a short walk, or take them out in the morning or evening when it's cooler.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Maryland heat deaths, illnesses already above 2024 rates
BALTIMORE — At least 13 people have died so far because of heat-related illnesses in Maryland during this year's 'heat season,' up from this time last year, according to a report sent to The Baltimore Sun from the Maryland Department of Health. In 2024, there were 27 heat-related deaths across the state, according to reports from the state Department of Health. By late July last year, 11 people had died. During Maryland's heat season, which the department defines as May through September, there have already been 1,008 EMS calls and 1,129 emergency department or urgent care visits related to heat-related illness in 2025. Despite two more months of heat season, Maryland is close to meeting last year's total number of emergency department or urgent care visits because of heat, which was 1,206 in 2024. 'Heat illness is certainly an under-recognized, under-appreciated threat, and it can have real consequences,' said David Gatz, the associate medical director of the Adult Emergency Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center. —What is heat illness? Children, seniors and people with chronic illnesses are most susceptible to heat illness, Gatz said, but anyone can be at risk if put in high-heat environments. The lowest level of heat illness is heat exhaustion, which occurs when water and salt are depleted, typically from being outside and sweating. This can make people feel that they're going to pass out, their heart is beating faster or they feel nauseous, according to Cheyenne Falat, the assistant medical director of the Adult Emergency Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center. At this stage, Falat said, getting hydrated, moving away from the heat and cooling the body can usually be enough to prevent serious illness. Moderate heat illness can include heat rash, swelling — typically in the legs — and heat cramps and brief fainting, Falat said. The most severe level of heat illness is heat stroke, which affects the neurological system. Falat said looking out for any changes like slurred speech, difficulties with fine motor skills, and being unsteady could be signs to head to see a medical professional as soon as possible. 'The earlier you can recognize it and intervene, the more you can prevent it from transitioning to that next stage,' Falat said. Recognizing when heat illness is severe enough to warrant a trip to the hospital is challenging, however, Gatz said, but the most important step is listening to your body. To prevent heat illness, Falat and Gatz recommend attempting not to over-exert, applying sunscreen, hydrating and limiting time exposed to extreme temperatures. —Heat in the workplace Heat illness and heat-related deaths in Maryland have become top-of-mind for employers because of a new law requiring workplaces with high heat indexes to educate their employees on heat illness as well as provide water and frequent breaks. The 2024 death of Baltimore City Department of Public Works trash collector Ronald Silver also ignited conversations in the region about monitoring the health of people working during high heat indexes. The Maryland Department of Labor has not received any notifications of heat-related deaths at workplaces this year, a spokesperson for the department told the Sun. Maryland Occupational Safety and Health, part of the state labor department, has received reports of heat-related concerns that are being investigated, the spokesperson said, but did not specify the number of complaints. AFSCME Maryland Council 3 — a union representing state, municipal and county employees in Maryland, of which Silver was a member — has also not heard any reports of heat-related deaths at workplaces in the state. Still, leaders do have concerns over a lack of heat safety plans from some of their employers, according to a union spokesperson. The plans are required under the heat safety standards, which became law in September 2024.
CBS News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Howard County issues heat alert as temperatures, humidity soar in Maryland
Howard County has issued a heat alert from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday due to dangerous temperatures and high humidity. The WJZ First Alert Team issued Alert Days for Friday through Sunday due to the risk of dangerous heat, especially for those working outside. Temperatures are expected to stay in the low to mid-90s, but high humidity and heat index values reaching up to 109 degrees Fahrenheit will make it feel significantly hotter. These conditions can cause heat-related illness, the county said. On Thursday, Howard County Health Department officials urged residents to take precautions during extreme heat. Lenora Painter, director of the Bureau of Infection Control and Public Health Readiness at the Howard County Health Department, said tips include limiting physical activity to early morning, finding shade, and staying hydrated. Painter also emphasized the importance of checking on others. "We can make sure that we have decided as a community, area, neighborhood, that we want to make sure we are helping each other," Painter said. According to Painter, there have been 12 heat-related deaths so far this year in Maryland. When the heat index is 90 degrees or higher, or when excessive heat watches, warnings, or advisories are in effect, people should take steps to cool down immediately if they notice a rapid escalation of heat illness symptoms, Painter said. She recommended creating a "cool room plan" by identifying the coolest space in your home to go to when feeling overheated. Keeping fans on and using blackout curtains are also advised. Howard County also has more than 50 cooling centers, available. Symptoms of heat illness include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, elevated body temperature, and heavy sweating, according to the CDC. The National Weather Service suggests removing excess clothing, loosening garments, and using water or ice to help cool person down if you are experiencing symptoms.
CNET
24-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
An Emergency Physician Explains How to Recognize the Signs of Heat Stroke
Temperatures this summer continue to climb. If you're spending time outdoors, whether for work or recreation, it's critical to know the risks of heat-related illness. Heat stroke, the most dangerous of them, can set in quickly and become life-threatening without warning. Staying aware of your body, staying hydrated and even tuning into audio updates or reminders through wireless earbuds can help keep you safer in the heat. It doesn't just happen to athletes or people doing intense physical activity. Classic heat stroke can occur simply by being in a hot environment for too long. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, people who work outside are especially vulnerable in the first few days of exposure because the body needs time to adapt to rising temperatures. As the heat intensifies this summer, understanding how to spot and respond to heat stroke could be the most important safety step you take. In addition to workers, heat stroke is especially common among "infants, younger children, elderly and those with significant heart or lung conditions," Dr. Alex Koo, an emergency room physician with MedStar Health, told CNET. People with certain medical conditions, those taking specific medications or drugs (including alcohol) and individuals living in hot climates or homes without air conditioning may be at higher risk for heat stroke. Here's what to know if you or someone near you starts experiencing symptoms of heat stroke. Heat stroke symptoms "Heat stroke almost will always present with symptoms," said Koo. "As the body cannot dissipate heat faster than it is producing or receiving, the body will experience heat exhaustion first." While heat exhaustion isn't quite as serious, it still requires you cool down as quickly as possible. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. If your symptoms worsen, last more than one hour or you start vomiting, call 911. Symptoms of heat stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include: Altered mental state, including confusion, agitation and slurred speech (this may also result in "odd" behavior) Headache Hot, flushed, usually dry skin (or, alternatively, heavy sweating -- if brought on by exercise, heat stroke may include moist skin) Loss of consciousness Racing heartbeat Rapid breathing Seizures Very high body temperature Vomiting Keeping hydrated by drinking enough water, both before you head outdoors and while you're out in the heat, is an important step to warding off heat illness.1. Call 911 Having heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires professional care. If there's more than one person around to aid the person suffering heat stroke, have them call 911 while the other helps the person through the steps below. 2. Get to a cooler area immediately If you're around someone who has heat stroke, move them to a cooler area such as a nearby air-conditioned room. As quickly as possible, "try to help that person to a shaded, cooler area," said Koo. The goal is to cool down the body's core temperature. 3. Take off excess clothing Removing long-sleeve shirts, pants or other clothing will help a person cool down faster. Koo said you should especially "loosen any tight clothing and have them sit or lie down on a cooler surface." (If you run in layers to "sweat off weight," you probably shouldn't. It's dangerous and can lead to heat stroke. Consider cooling clothes that work with your body to keep you cooler and more comfortable.) 4. Hold ice, cold towels or cool water to the skin If you or someone else is experiencing heat stroke, place a cold towel or water bottle on the neck, armpits or groin to help cool the body. While you wait for help to arrive, you can even spray them down with cold water or put them in a cold shower -- anything to cool them off. Cold water immersion or an ice bath is one treatment for heat stroke that doctors may use at the hospital. Don't force a drink on someone experiencing heat stroke, Koo said. "If the person is altered, confused, nauseous or seizing, do not try to force them to drink fluids. They could vomit and choke." However, if "the person is experiencing heat exhaustion and [is] able to drink fluids" then they can be given sips of water or "solute-infused beverage, as electrolyte sports drinks." Koo added, "Avoid caffeine-containing and alcoholic drinks." Other doctor-approved heat safety tips Koo told CNET, "Keep up to date on the weather, checking the forecast for the heat index, rather than just the temperature of the day." Keep in mind that the early evening is going to be the hottest time of the day, not the afternoon. He said to also "prepare [yourself] and your loved ones for a day out in hot weather by wearing loose clothing, ensuring everyone is hydrated prior, during and after fun in the sun." Make sure you're applying and reapplying sunscreen and seeking shade whenever possible. And "Know the signs of heat exhaustion as the first indication that it may be time to move to a cooler environment," he stated.
