Extreme heat is already difficult for those who have fragile health and, combined with poor air quality linked to forest fire fumes active in western Canada, it has imposed even more formidable challenges for a few days.
This week, it’s not just the heat that is felt. The sky is veiled and these are not clouds, but rather smoke from the forest fires rampant in Western Canada.
People vulnerable to extreme heat are the same as those who suffer more of poor air quality, underlines Paola Rey, environmental health professional at the Public Health Department of the Integrated Health and Social Services Center of Chaudière-Appalaches (CISSS-CA).
Paola Rey, environmental health professional at the Directorate of Public Health at the Cisss de Chaudière-Appalaches.
Photo provided by Paola Rey
“These are people aged 65 and over, children under the age of 5, people with chronic cardiac or pulmonary diseases, people with kidney disease, because of dehydration, people with diabetes and people with mental health problems,” she said.
Double risk
The current situation poses a double problem, while there are two factors that represent a health risk.
“The two together, the problem is that it will create double stress on the body, especially on cardiovascular and respiratory systems,” continues the specialist.
Always according to Mme Rey, extreme heat is the most risky factor in this situation. It invites the population to redouble their prudence and to remain on the lookout for any sign demonstrating that your health or that of a loved one is deteriorating.
“These are more serious dehydration, exhaustion and heat stroke,” she says. Heat strokes can be fatal, it is considered an emergency. At that time, it is a very high fever, confusion, bizarre or aggressive behavior, red skin and loss of consciousness. ”
Mme Rey also suggests to prioritize the recommendations to protect your health during very hot and humid weather, either drink enough water, avoid alcohol, cool down as much as possible and protect yourself from heat by reducing physical efforts, keeping the windows and the curtains closed and avoiding using devices that give heat.
For the time being, the CISSS-CA has not noted an increase in specific cases or consultations related to heat and air quality. The CIUSSS of the Capitale-Nationale and the Quebec CHU had not yet obtained this information when writing this lines.