The Grey Bruce Health Unit has issued a Heat Alert.
Public Health Manager Bob Hart says high heat and humidity heighten the risk of heat related illnesses including heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
He recommends staying cool at one of the cooling centres set up in the region;
The City of Owen Sound has opened the Library, the Bayshore Community Centre and City Hall as public cooling centers; water will also be available at all three locations.
In Kincardine, the Davidson Centre is open 8:30 AM to 8 PM.
In Hanover — the P&H Centre, the Civic Centre and the Library will be open from 10 AM to 8 PM as public cooling centres for the week.
The Walkerton Community Centre will also act as a cooling centre.
In Meaford — the St. Vincent Community Centre and Arena will be open from 9 AM to 8 PM and the Meaford Hall will be open from 9 AM to 4 PM
Municipal water will be available at both of these locations. The Library will be open its regular hours as well.
Hart tells Bayshore Broadcasting News the best way to beat the heat is to drink plenty of fluids but make sure its water.
He says alcoholic or drinks with high amounts of sugar can cause you to lose body fluid.
And he recommends avoiding very cold drinks as they can cause stomach cramps.
As for protection against the sun — Hart says use sunscreen and lip balm with a SPF of 30 or higher.
A big way to avoid illness from the heat is to limit outdoor activity and Hart recommends limiting outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
Hart says those who are especially at risk include infants under one year of age, seniors 65 years and older, individuals on medication and people with chronic medical conditions.
