YORKTON — With temperatures soaring across the province, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is reminding residents to take precautions against extreme heat and the added threat of wildfire smoke.
Environment Canada issues a heat warning in southern Saskatchewan when there are two or more consecutive days with daytime highs, or humidex, expected to reach 32° C or warmer, and nighttime lows staying at 16° C or warmer.
Dr. Stanley Enebeli, a medical health officer with the SHA, warns that rising temperatures can bring a host of heat-related illnesses, ranging from minor conditions like heat rash and cramps to severe emergencies like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
"These heat illnesses are actually preventable, but those at highest risk are the babies, young children, the elderly, and anyone who is ill or has chronic health conditions like breathing problems, mental illness, and heart problems," Enebeli said.
The SHA notes that people experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, pregnant individuals, and those who are socially isolated are also at a heightened risk during a heat wave. In some cases, certain medications can also increase health risks from extreme heat.
Spotting the symptoms
Enebeli emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion, which include headache, nausea, dizziness, rapid breathing, and unusually dark yellow urine. Dehydration can manifest as a dry mouth or sticky saliva. For children, symptoms can also appear as tantrums, sleepiness, or sudden changes in behaviour.
If these symptoms occur, individuals should move to a cool place and drink water immediately.
Heat stroke, however, is a medical emergency.
"Some of the signs and symptoms of heat stroke to watch out for include very high body temperatures, very hot or red skin," Enebeli said. "Individuals experiencing heat stroke could be unconscious or confused and may even stop sweating."
If someone shows signs of heat stroke, Enebeli advises calling 911 immediately and moving the person to a cool place while waiting for help.
Staying cool and safe
To beat the heat, Enebeli recommends staying out of the sun during peak hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., wearing light, loose-fitting cotton clothing, and applying appropriate sunscreen.
Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated with cold water, avoid excess alcohol, and eat foods with high water content, such as salads and fruit. Taking cool baths and visiting spray parks or safe swimming areas can also help lower body temperatures.
For those without air conditioning at home, the SHA advises seeking out climate-controlled public spaces like shopping malls, public libraries, or leisure centres.
To stay informed, the SHA recommends downloading the free SaskAlert and WeatherCAN apps to receive real-time heat alerts and emergency public information.
The threat of wildfire smoke
Hotter weather also brings an increased risk of wildfires and harmful smoke, which carries microscopic particles deep into the lungs.
These dangerous particles can increase the risk of irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, and strokes, particularly for those with cardiovascular diseases or respiratory illnesses like asthma.
When the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is high, the SHA advises staying indoors, reducing outside activities, and using portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters. If going outside is necessary, a well-fitted N95 mask can reduce smoke inhalation risks, whereas cloth masks and bandanas do not offer sufficient protection.
In situations where extreme heat and wildfire smoke occur simultaneously, the SHA advises keeping doors and windows closed. If home cooling is not possible, residents should relocate to air-conditioned community spaces.
