All I can say is that I hope mother nature is just getting this out of her system so things can cool down next week in the baby barn at the Big Ex.
A heat warning has been issued for the next few days with temperatures expected to reach 36 degrees Celsius with the Humidex value. (36° Celsius is equal to 96.8° Fahrenheit)
So what should you do in temperatures like this? Stay in the air conditioning and try not to melt comes to mind, but not realistic for most. So the best defense against elevated temperatures is to know the dangers and what to do as the temperature goes up.
Common sense of not over exerting yourself, staying hydrated and seeking shade … that is a good start. But what if that is not enough? That is when heat gets dangerous.
I am following friends online as they travel Europe and at 42 degrees, I would just be a puddle. But this past week has seen hundreds of people in that part of the world pass away as a result of the heat. So as things get hot, the best thing you can do is know what Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke looks like. When you know the signs then you will be able to watch for it and will know what to do if and/or when it happens.
| Heat exhaustion symptoms | What to do | Heat stroke symptoms | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| general weakness | take a cool shower or use a cold compress to decrease body temperature | elevated body temperature above 104°F (40°C) | call 911 for emergency treatment |
| increased heavy sweating | hydrate with water or sports drinks | rapid and strong pulse or heart rate | move to a shaded or cool area |
| a weak but faster pulse or heart rate | move to a shaded or cool area | loss or change of consciousness | circulate air to speed up cooling |
| nausea or vomiting | seek medical treatment if vomiting continues | hot, red, dry, or moist skin | use a cold compress or cold, wet cloth to help lower body temperature |
| possible fainting, lightheadedness, dizziness | lie down | ||
| pale, cold, clammy skin | remove any extra layers or unnecessary clothing, like shoes or socks |
Do You Have Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion? Learn the Signs
This is not to scare you into staying inside. It is just a reminder of the importance of drinking lots of fluids and staying out of the hot sun as much as possible when heat warnings are issued. The beauty of living in Nova Scotia and on the South Shore is that in less than an hour you can find cooler temperatures at the coast. So if you can sneak away to the beach with an ice cream this afternoon, many might be jealous, but no one will judge you at all.
Stay safe and try to enjoy the summer weather. For those of you that hate the heat, winter is not THAT far away.
Countdown To Winter 2022
Another point of interest, don’t try to cool your home with the refrigerator. This might be a cartoon, but it’s a reasonable facsimile of what could happen if you attempt to spend the summer in your fridge, haha.
