Jewish General Hospital - Press releases

2012/08/03

High heat and humidity to hit Montreal

Environment Canada has issued a high heat and humidity warning for the Montreal and Laval regions for this weekend. The Jewish General Hospital (JGH) is providing the public with some helpful advice to help you cope with these hot summer days.

With high levels of humidity in the forecast, it is expected to be hot and uncomfortable around much of the Greater Montreal Area, where temperatures could feel warmer than 40C with the humidex.

People are being advised to stay in air-conditioned places or seek shade whenever possible. Drinking lots of water and limiting strenuous physical activity is also recommended. In addition, it is essential to replenish sodium and potassium in the body along with water, with such sports drinks as Gatorade or Powerade.

Some symptoms to watch out for are muscle cramps, profuse sweating, headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. These are all symptoms of heat exhaustion, which can develop Heat Stroke which can damage the brain and other vital organs, and even cause death.

Here is Dr. Eli Segal, a Staff Doctor in the Department of Emergency Services, with some important tips on how to keep cool during the next few hot and sweaty days.

To view the video, click here: http://jgh.ca/en/jghtv.

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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