A health expert emphasized the importance of media awareness campaigns and precautions, particularly for outdoor workers and the elderly, as prolonged heat exposure can lead to heat-related illnesses and complications like an increased risk of heart disease.
“The number of fatal heart attacks and strokes could triple as extreme heat increases with global warming,” she warned. She stressed the need for recognizing early symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
“People with outdoor jobs, such as sales and manual labor, as well as young children and elderly individuals with chronic medical conditions, are more susceptible to heat-related health issues,” she explained.
“Those who are severely dehydrated may experience nausea, palpitations, and flushed skin. We advise people to stay indoors during peak hours, stay well-hydrated, and wear light cotton clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.”
She noted that intense heat waves are being reported globally due to climate change.
She recommended staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water and electrolyte-rich beverages, to prevent dehydration. Excessive consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can contribute to dehydration, should be avoided.
Earlier this year, more than 1,000 active fires burned throughout Canada for weeks, sending continuous smoke clouds of fine particulate matter into the air. This affected a wide geographic area and potentially threatened the health of millions of North Americans.
The study found that extreme high temperatures combined with fine particulate matter from wildfires could double the risk of myocardial infarction, or heart attack.
