Dufferin County is reminding residents to stay safe this week during a heat warning, especially those who are at greater risk. These tips can be followed throughout the summer to remain safe during the heat.

Not sure if you are at greater risk for heat-related illness? Always check in with a health professional.

Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can increase the risk of heat-related illness or injury, especially during hot weather or during strenuous activity. These medications can sometimes affect the body’s ability to cool itself, maintain fluid balance or recognize thirst.

Some medications that can be associated with increased heat risk include:

• Diuretics (“water pills”), like hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
• Blood pressure medications, like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and beta-blockers, may reduce the body’s ability to adapt to heat or maintain adequate circulation
• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs) can interfere with sweating and temperature regulation
• Antipsychotic medications may impair thermoregulation and increase the risk of overheating
• Anticholinergic medications, including some antihistamines and bladder medications, can reduce sweating
• Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine-based ADHD medications, can increase body temperature and affect heat regulation
• NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, naproxen) may increase the risk of kidney injury when combined with dehydration
• Opioids and sedatives can impair awareness of heat stress, thirst or symptoms of illness

Residents should always continue to take their medications as prescribed by their health provider. If you are unsure if you are at higher risk for heat-related illness, speak with your health care provider. Questions about your medication? Check in with your pharmacist.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty, and limit your heat exposure. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. Cool off at a local splash pad or pool.

Check out Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health’s Cooling, Warming and Clean Air Spaces Map, an interactive map that helps residents find publicly accessible locations and services that may be useful during extreme weather events and other climate-related conditions.

The Town of Orangeville’s recreation centres are open from 9 am to 9 pm for cooling centres daily during heat warnings. During heat warnings, there is access to water for refills for people and dogs as well as water bowls outside for dogs. For more information visit www.orangeville.ca/BeatTheHeat

If you don’t have air conditioning, keep your windows, doors and blinds shut during the day. If temperatures drop at night, crack the windows before going to bed.

Set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and create a cool breeze by placing a bowl with ice in front of a large fan. Take a cool shower, or place frozen washcloths on your forehead, back of neck, and wrists to help lower your core temperature.

Keep pets indoors and avoid taking them for walks in the heat. If outdoors, limit time in the sun and provide shade. Keep in mind that if the pavement is too hot for bare feet, it is too hot for bare paws.

Pay attention to how you and those around you feel and watch for heat illness symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting or rapid breathing or heartbeat. The risks of high temperature are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors. Check out the County’s tips for staying safe from heat-related illness here.

If you know someone who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness, check-in regularly to ensure they are cool and hydrated. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either confused, experiencing dizziness or fainting, or has stopped sweating.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or someone you’re with develops:

• Confusion or altered mental status
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

For more tips on staying cool without air conditioning, read Dufferin’s Beat the Heat Guide here.

For more information on how to protect yourself from the health effects of extreme heat, visit Health Canada: Extreme Heat.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Megan Ball, Manager of Communications

mball@dufferincounty.ca