Keeping Your Cool During the Heat Wave

By on July 21, 2011 in Insurance, Benefits and Risk

I just got back from a business trip where I enjoyed pleasant temperatures in the mid 20′s, light breezes and cooler nights.  What a shock to the system when I landed back in Ontario and was assaulted by the heat and humidity.  Like most Canadians, I look forward to bidding Jack Frost adieu for a few months and welcome warm summer days with open arms.  However, this heat wave is taking it to the extreme and it can get a bit unbearable for many of us.

To help stay cool I have added a link that lists the region’s cooling stations if you or anyone you know in the community are looking for some relief.  In addition, here are some general tips that health officials say we should follow during this extreme heat:
1) Drink plenty of water. It is better to drink water that is cool, rather than extremely cold, as water that is too cold can cause stomach cramps.

2) Use ice to cool down. Rubbing ice on the back of your neck can cool down your internal body temperature.

3) Seek out air conditioning. Air conditioning is one way to protect you against heat-related health complications. If you don’t have AC, seek out public spaces that do, such as libraries, shopping malls, or cooling centres.

4) Take a cold shower. If you don’t have access to an air conditioned space, take a cold shower or bath to lower your body temperature.

5) Know the signs. Tell-tale signs of heat stroke include a lack of sweat, dry skin, headaches, and a rapid heart rate. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps.

6) Limit physical activity. If you must exercise in the heat, drink plenty of water, and try to keep your activities to shady areas.

7) Get the gear. Wear loose fitting, lightly coloured clothing. And always use sunscreen to protect yourself and your children from the sun.

8) Be car cautious. Never leave anyone is a closed, parked vehicle, pets included! Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach potentially lethal levels, because the car acts like a greenhouse, trapping the heat inside.

Stay cool!

David

About David Black

As a commercial account representative with Cowan Insurance Group, David is responsible for providing insurance and risk management expertise and support to the manufacturing industry - Cowan’s largest commercial segment. He’s been part of the sales team for five years, and came to Cowan with 11 years of underwriting experience exclusively in the manufacturing sector. He helps create insurance programs for companies with locations in Canada, the United States and overseas. David holds his Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation and has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Windsor.
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