Page 16 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 127

16 Issue #127 August 2023 www.sportsenergynews.com

Cornwall Fire Services with Deputy Chief Leighton Woods

t’s getting warmer and warmer — so stay safe.
I It isn’t just you — the most recent summers sure feel a lot warmer than the ones from your childhood. According to

the New York Times, the last eight summers have been the hottest on record.
It’s therefore extremely important for you to stay out of the sun and properly hydrated if you intend on being outside for long periods
of time in the summer.
Did you know that during periods of intense heat — that’s 32 degrees Celsius — your body can lose up to three litres of water,
through sweat, per hour. That’s a LOT!
It all depends on how much exercise you do during hot days. The short and sweet answer is — don’t. If the thermometer shows 32
degrees Celsius, it isn’t the time to workout outside or do any other physically demanding activity.
For those of us who must work outside on very warm days, always make sure to cover your body, as much as you can, from the sun. You should always — and
I mean it — have access to drinking water when working in the heat. During a heatwave, it’s recommended to drink about 1 cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes.
Drinking in shorter intervals is more effective than drinking large amounts infrequently. Did you know that by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already behind
in fluid replacement?
Heat-related illnesses usually happen in five stages — heat rash, sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and finally, heat stroke.
Both heat rashes and sunburns show on the skin, as either red clusters of small blisters or painful and red portions of skin. If this occurs, it’s recommended
to stay out of the sun, stay in a cool dry place, and not break blisters.
Symptoms of heat cramps, on the other hand, include heavy sweating during intense exercise, and muscle pains of spasm. If these occur, stop physical
activity, and move to a cool place. Also, drink water or a sports drink and wait for cramps to go away before doing any other physical activity.
If the cramps last longer than an hour, get medical help right away.
Heat exhaustion and heat strokes are when things get dangerous. If you suffer from heat exhaustion, you might be experiencing heavy sweating, have cold,
pale and clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, a headache, feel dizzy or weak, and have muscle cramps. You might also be nauseous, vomit, or even faint.
If this is the case, you need to move to a cool place, loosen your clothes, put a cool, wet cloth on your body, or take a cool bath and sip water. Make sure to
seek medical assistance right away if you are throwing up, your symptoms get worse, or if your symptoms last longer than one hour.
During a heat stroke, you might experience hot, red, dry, or damp skin, a fast and strong pulse, a headache, dizziness, nausea, and/or confusion. You might
also be losing consciousness.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a heat stroke, you need to call 911 right away! While you wait for help to arrive, make sure to move the person
having a heat stroke to a cooler place. Help lower their body temperature with cool clothes or a cool bath.
Stay safe out there!

Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services

By Wayne Markell

ave you checked if your immune system is up-to-date recently? This August marks Vaccination Awareness
HMonth, which aims to raise awareness and encourages everyone to stay up to date with their vaccinations.

Immunization plays an important role in safeguarding our health. It involves introducing a tiny portion of a
dead or weakened virus or bacterium into the body by injection. Your immune system then goes to work as if you were actually
exposed to the real virus. This means the virus or bacteria can’t give you the disease and won’t make you sick. The vaccine prepares
your body’s defenses so that it now can protect you if you were to come into contact with the real disease.

There are three parts to most vaccines: the adjuvant, an additive, and a preservative. The adjuvant, like aluminum salts, assist your
immune system to react better. Most adjuvants are found in our food or in nature. An additive, such as gelatin, is used to maintain the quality and efficacy
of the vaccine over time. Finally, a preservative, like formaldehyde, is used to prevent germs from getting into the vaccine. It is worth noting that our
bodies naturally produce formaldehyde, and it is eliminated during the vaccine purification process.

Finally, in Canada, there are strict laws and regulations in place to maintain high standards for vaccine development, safety, testing, and importation.
Therefore, you can rest assured that vaccines are proven to be safe and effective.
Have more questions? Want advice on vaccines? This is simple; talk directly with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or public health office. Together, let’s
take an active role in this important part of preventive healthcare to ensure the safety and well-being of ourselves, our families, and our communities!