The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but be aware. Higher temperatures can break down the body's normal responses, causing fatigue, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To protect yourself, medical experts recommend monitoring weather forecasts on TV and radio. These reports describe hot and potentially dangerous weather in terms like 'heat watch', 'heat warning', 'heat wave', or 'air-quality advisory'. You can take precautions to protect yourself in the summer heat. Always wear a hat and avoid direct exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Remember to carry a water bottle, especially when traveling or exercising because dehydration is among the most common heat-related dangers. Be sure to plan strenuous activity early in the morning or evening when it's cooler. Keep in mind, certain medical conditions and some prescription drugs can make you more vulnerable to heat stress, and they also interfere with your ability to sweat. "If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, asthma, drug or food allergies, a heart condition, or are taking certain medications, you should wear a MedicAlert bracelet," says Dr. Rosana Pellizzari, a Family Physician at Davenport Perth Community Health Centre in Toronto. "It informs others about your ailment, and reminds you to take necessary precautions, especially in hot weather." MedicAlert can speak for you when you can't speak for yourself by alerting emergency responders and health professionals to your vital medical needs. Becoming a MedicAlert member also means you are actively participating in managing your health. So, go out and enjoy the summer. Just remember to take extra care in the heat, and protect your life with MedicAlert. Call 1-800-668-1507 or visit our Web site at www.medicalert.ca.
