OKANAGAN – The “sunny Okanagan” is living up to its name these days.
Temperatures are forecast to hit the upper 30’s this weekend and the hot temperature is expected to last another seven to ten days.
Health care professionals are reminding people to stay sun safe.
Lizette Elmira, Interior Health Authority’s resident public health physician, says heat-related illnesses can run a very wide gamut.
“You get headaches, muscle cramps, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Obviously, you’d be thirsty and tired,” says Elmira.
“Sometimes you can even see it on your skin. It would be cool and moist.”
Those are only symptoms for heat exhaustion.
Sun stroke is on the other extreme and requires medical attention.
“Heat stroke is very serious,” says Emira.
“It can cause confusion, hallucinations, seizures or even death.”
According to experts, the best plan of attack is to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and move to the shade when it gets too hot.
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