Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, is reminding Ontarians to take special care to prevent heat-related illness during the current heat wave in the province. With extreme heat expected to last most of this week, Dr. King is warning that anyone can suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate for the extreme temperatures and properly cool. Those who are especially at risk include infants under one year of age, seniors 65 years and older, and people with chronic medical conditions.

There are a number of things that people can do to prevent heat-related illness, including:

• Drinking plenty of water or natural fruit juices

• Wearing light, loose fitting clothes

• Eating light, cool foods, and not using the oven or other hot appliances

• Staying in air conditioned rooms – either at home, a friend’s place or public spaces such as malls, libraries, community or specially designated facilities

• Regularly check up on friends, family and/or neighbours who may be at high risk during a heat wave.