First high heat warning: A reminder of preventive measures to take from the public health department

MONTRÉAL, June 30, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Environment Canada has just issued its first heat warning of the summer. The Direction de santé publique de l'Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal (DSP) is taking this opportunity to remind the public of preventive measures to adopt when it is very hot:

1. Spend a few hours a day in a cool, ideally air-conditioned place like a movie theatre or shopping mall
2. Drink a lot of water, even before you feel thirsty
3. Cut back on activities that require effort

Health effects of hot weather
When it's very hot, anyone can have health problems such as dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and heat stroke. In addition, people with heart, lung or kidney diseases, diabetes, or mental health problems might lack the capacity to cope with the heat, which could affect their health.

Populations vulnerable to heat
Older adults, people with chronic illnesses, mental health problems or drug or alcohol problems, and children aged 4 and under are very vulnerable since it can be difficult for them to take basic precautions to protect themselves from the heat.

Keeping a close watch on people at risk and young children
The DSP recommends that you contact friends and family members who are elderly or suffer from physical or mental health problems in case they need help, or to take them to an air-conditioned place. It is also important to remember that children should never be left alone in a car, not even for a few minutes.

For more information, call Info-Santé at 811 In case of an emergency, call 911. For more information about heat waves: www.santemontreal.ca/en/heat.

SOURCE: Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal

Agence de Montréal, 514 286-5709, agence.santemontreal.ca, facebook.com/santemontreal, twitter.com/santemontreal, youtube.com/santemontreal