With lots of sun and temperatures in the mid-20s expected around Metro Vancouver this weekend, health experts are urging people to take extra care to avoid injury and illness.
Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch with the UBC School of Nursing says some people may be more at risk for heat-related illness with the sudden climb in temperatures.
That, she explains, is especially the case when we get into the 26 C range, inside or outside.
“Older people can respond in hot weather a little bit differently and it also affects some people with certain chronic illnesses and disabilities, and it may affect their body’s ability to … thermoregulate, so keep our bodies cool when the weather gets hot,” she told CityNews.
Baumbusch says for older people in particular, the suddent change from cold to hot can make them less thirsty and sweat less, leading to thermoregulation challenges.
While we may still tenchnically be in spring, Baumbusch notes this weekend is a good test run before we get into the real deal.
“I think we’re seeing the heat come sooner in the year and more intense throughout the summer, so it’s a really good time to just practice, make sure that you have all the things in place. If you are looking after someone who is at a distance, making sure you call and check in on them. If a person is starting to sound confused on the phone or unwell, try to get an in-person visit or … using emergency services to check on them,” she said.
Finding ways to stay cool is key, Baumbusch adds, as is hydration.
“What I do is I just have a big jug and I put it in the fridge in the morning and really focus on making sure I’ve had it by the end of the day,” she said.
CityNews Meteorologist Carl Lam says inland temperatures on both Friday and Saturday are going to hit 26 degrees. Temperatures are expected to cool slightly Sunday.
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