Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can potentially lead to great harm if left unattended. That according to Dr. Denis Fortier with the regional health authority.

Dr. Fortier says heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the two types of heat related injury, heat exhaustion happens when a generally healthy person is overheating from doing physical labour or activities, such as sports, in extreme heat conditions. He notes the symptoms of heat exhaustion include feeling sick, feeling tired, looking pale, and a racing heart. He notes a person experiencing heat exhaustion may also collapse.

Heat stroke generally affects the elderly population, notes Fortier, for some reason, their bodies can't maintain their body temperature at a normal level as easily as younger people. He notes the body is made to function at 37 degrees Celsius and people experiencing heat stroke could have a temperature of over 40 degrees.

“That is where the body really starts shutting down, it affects the brain, it affects the kidneys, it affects a number of other organs. People tend to start being confused, they may be starting to hallucinate, you are really starting to see some neurological issues.”

Dr. Fortier says heat stroke of resembles a true stroke. He says even though elderly people are most susceptible, people with chronic diseases, illnesses, or on certain medications are at a higher risk, adding heat stroke is very serious, and if it is left unattended, could lead to death.

“The damage related to the brain, to the kidneys, to your liver, and even to your muscles and your heart can be permanent. Some people spend a number of days in intensive care with very close monitoring, with judicious use of medication and fluids to get them functioning again, but sometimes the damage can be quite serious.”

Dr. Fortier says he cannot stress the importance of prevention enough. He says the first step is to be aware of your environment and know what the temperature is going to be.

“If you are someone who is in that category of risk for heat stroke, perhaps it's best not to go for that picnic, perhaps it's best to stay in a home that is air conditioned. For people who are athletes, or need to work on the highways or construction, you need to alter the way that you work on that day to make sure you take the appropriate amount of time to be in the shade, perhaps work earlier in the day or later in the day, not during the prime time of heat.”

Dr. Fortier says it is also important to drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

The Pat Porter Active living centre has set up a cooling station.

Executive director Kim Duncan says everyone is welcome.

"If you are working outside and you want to come somewhere cool for your lunch break, bring your lunch, come in sit join us for an hour then go back to work. If you don't have air conditioning in your house and need to cool off for a bit stop by, visit with us for a bit. We have puzzles and books if people want to stay for a little bit longer and just get out of the heat, so they don't get over heated."

Duncan says they have tables and chairs set up and some ice water. She notes the cooling station is open from 8:30 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. today, tomorrow, and Friday.