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Jewish General Hospital provides tips to avoid summer illnesses Summer will soon be upon us, and this means that warm weather will be on its way. While summer often means fun times with family and friends, it is also important to think ahead in order to prevent summer illnesses and injuries. The Jewish General Hospital (JGH) is providing the public with some tips as part of National Summer Safety Week (May 1-7).
National Summer Safety Week reminds us to be safe and take appropriate precautions while enjoying the summer weather. This year, the Canada Safety Council is reminding the public to be mindful of time in the sun with their “Stay out of the hot seat!” campaign, in an effort to reduce the number of cases of heat stroke caused by staying in a hot car too long.
Temperatures in the confined space of your car can climb very quickly, overwhelming the internal temperature regulator of the passenger, more so if it is a child. In fact, heat levels in a car exposed to the sun on a 35 C day can soar to 50 C within 20 minutes. Heat stroke occurs at 40.5 C. When the body’s core hits this state, sweat reserves are depleted and a person is no longer able to cool their internal temperature. At this point, the body’s core temperature shoots even higher, resulting anywhere from severe organ damage to death.
“People do not generally consider their vehicle as a particularly hazardous spot in the summer, however it can quickly become a potential danger,” says Dr. Marc Afilalo, Chief of Emergency Services at the JGH. “It is essential that the public take the necessary precautions to avoid exposing themselves, their children and elderly relatives to such levels of heat. From keeping water in the car, to parking in the shade, turning on the air conditioning and even using a sunshade to limit the sun streaming in, all can help increase summer car safety.”
The JGH would like to remind the public that when it comes to having some summer fun this year, it is essential to take the right steps to make summer 2012 both safe and fun for the entire family.
Contact:
Glenn J. Nashen, Director
Astrid Morin, Media Relations
Public Affairs and Communications
Jewish General Hospital
Tel.: 514-340-8222 ext. 4612
Email: amorin@jgh.mcgill.ca
Website: jgh.ca
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