Stay cool • Close the blinds or draw the curtains during the hottest parts of the day. [...] and check in with those at risk • Be attentive to your own and others’ well-being, especially children, older adults and sick people, and provide help if necessary. [...] • Urge individuals who might be in danger or who might be sensitive to heat to take cool baths, rest in the coolest part of their home, stay with friends and follow all of the guidance above. [...] It is also critical to understand and communicate to patients about the dangers and risks of certain psychotropic medications when used in combination, with respect to heat exposure and in the context of other psychosocial risks. [...] Medication class Side-effects possibly worsened by heat Antidepressants • Nausea • Dizziness • Sweating • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Fainting • Headache • Dry mouth • Photosensitivity (i.e., skin becomes very sensitive to heat and sunlight) Antipsychotics • Temperature dysregulation (i.e., altered ability to regulate response to changes in temperature and humidity) • Transient temperature elevation (Cl.
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Table of Contents
- Temperature Flags 2
- For older adult populations those with significant medical comorbidities and limited supports and those in substandard housing 25 degrees Celsius. 2
- For all exposed populations 30 degrees Celsius. 2
- Be aware of medication classes that affect thermoregulation. Recognize signs of dehydration and medication-related side-effects and toxicity. . 2
- See Medications and climate change section below for side-effects worsened by heat and counselling points 2
- Advocate for access to air conditioning Ontario Disability Support Program ODSP and Ontario Works OW have paths to assist. 2
- Heat wave action plan. 2
- Heat wave action plan Essential steps to stay safe 3
- Medications and climate change 4
- Certain medications may interfere with a patients thermoregulation andor fluid balance intensifying the risk of harm from hot weather. 4
- Heat can degrade or damage some medications and patients should be counseled on how to store their medication when temperatures are high. 4
- Medications can increase skin sensitivity from sun exposure and counseling on skin protection e.g. sunscreen use can aid in protecting patients. 4
- Counselling points 4
- Resources 5
