Doctors advise Canadians to stay cool, hydrated, and cautious during extreme heat, as climate change drives longer and deadlier heat waves across the country.
Medical Experts Warn of Heat Risks Amid Record Temperatures
As scorching heat grips Ontario, Quebec, and major U.S. cities, doctors are urging the public to take protective steps during one of the most intense June heat waves in recent memory. With temperatures feeling as high as 46.3°C in Toronto, health professionals warn that prolonged exposure can be dangerous—especially for vulnerable populations.
What Heat Does to the Body
The human body is designed to function around 37°C. During extreme heat, blood vessels expand to release heat through the skin, but this puts strain on the cardiovascular system. “We may feel flushed, dizzy, or breathless—signs of heat exhaustion,” explained Dr. Edward Xie, emergency physician at Toronto’s University Health Network. Without intervention, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke—a life-threatening condition marked by confusion, nausea, and seizures.
Who’s Most at Risk
People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, schizophrenia, or respiratory conditions are most vulnerable, along with the elderly, infants, and pregnant individuals. During B.C.’s 2021 heat dome, 619 deaths were attributed to extreme heat—most among those with underlying conditions.
Certain medications, including diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatories, also increase risk by affecting fluid retention or sensitivity to sun.
How to Stay Cool and Safe
Health Canada and medical experts recommend:
- Stay indoors with air conditioning when possible
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing and a hat
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours
- Use cool water towels or take cold showers to lower body temperature
- Stay hydrated—water is essential to effective sweating and cooling
- Never leave medications or people in hot cars
Exercise physiologist Dr. Greg Wells adds: “The best way to prevent heat injury is to listen to your body—monitor your heart rate, sweat levels, and energy.”
The Role of Humidity
Humidity adds another layer of danger. It slows the evaporation of sweat, reducing the body’s ability to cool itself efficiently. This makes symptoms of overheating appear sooner and last longer.
Precautions for Medication and Movement
Dr. Peter Wu, internal medicine expert at University Health Network, advises patients not to adjust medications without consulting their doctor—but to be cautious. “Don’t stand too quickly or rush physical activity. Let your body adapt to changes gradually,” he said.
Medications like insulin and EpiPens may be affected by heat if improperly stored. Always keep medicines out of direct sunlight and avoid storing them in hot cars.
When to Seek Help
If symptoms of heat stroke—such as rapid breathing, confusion, or loss of consciousness—appear, call emergency services immediately. Time is critical when core body temperatures rise above 40.6°C.
As climate change drives more extreme weather events, adapting to longer and more dangerous heat waves is essential. Public awareness, hydration, and common-sense precautions can help prevent tragedy as summer temperatures soar.
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