Dog days of summer
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is opening free to the public during an extreme heat alert which is expected to last into Friday.
In response to the extreme heat alert announced by Environment Canada Thursday, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s Health, Fitness and Aquatic Centres will be open and free to the public as cooling centres for the duration of the alert.
“You need to take caution when you’re outside in weather like this,” said Karen Pulla, vice president of health, fitness and aquatics, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “We hope the community will take advantage of the free service we’re providing our residents in order to stay cool and prevent any serious heat illnesses.”
For more information about locations and hours of operation, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca for open gym and swim times.
A government issued ID is required for entrance to the YMCA.
Take care when there is a heat warning
During a heat warning, people should be taking care not to overdo it, the health unit says.
When temperatures stay above 31°C for more than a day, or the humidity index exceeds 40°C, over exertion will increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration or heat stroke.
During the heat, you should be taking care to avoid overheating.
· Be sure to drink plenty of fluids (non-caffeinated). Don’t wait until you feel thirsty – that’s a sign that your body is already becoming dehydrated.
· Stay cool indoors and if possible, seek out an air-conditioned place.
· If you must be outside, stay in the shade and make sure you wear and reapply sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothing.
· Electric fans provide comfort by increasing evaporation, however when the conditions are extreme, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.
· Keep physical activity to a minimum.
· Draw blinds/curtains to prevent radiant heat from entering homes.
Infants and young children, the frail elderly and people with chronic lung conditions or taking certain prescription drugs are more vulnerable to harm from overheating. Keep tabs on these people to make sure they’re staying safe.
For more information about extreme heat, visit the health unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org , or call Health Connection at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Photo: Zoey is happy to have a cool shower on a hot summer day courtesy of Jason Bauer.
