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Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is reminding residents of the steps they can take to make their summer as healthy and safe as possible.

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Use the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to plan your daily activities.

The AQHI is a scale designed to help you understand how the air quality might impact your health.

Some individuals are at greater risk from air pollution – such as those with cardiovascular or lung disease, children and youth, older adults, and those who exercise or work outdoors.

Additional information on the AQHI can be found at airqualityontario.com or hpePublicHealth.ca.

Be aware of hot weather

When it is extremely hot outside, drink plenty of water, limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, wear sunscreen and light, loose-fitting clothing, and seek shade or cool off in an air-conditioned space.

Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which include dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.

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If you experience any of these symptoms during extreme heat, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Water is best.  If you are caring for someone who is unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Vulnerable groups, such as older adults, children, pregnant individuals, chronically ill and people experiencing homelessness, should be checked on frequently.

For additional information about extreme heat, visit the Government of Canada’s Extreme Heat webpage. For weather information, visit weather.gc.ca.

All residents can also learn about custom Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) notifications and how to quickly set them up in the WeatherCAN app.

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Monitor beach water quality

While HPEPH monitors water quality for unsafe bacteriological levels at municipally designated beaches from the end of May to the end of August, beach goers are encouraged to monitor conditions that impact beach water quality and choose to swim accordingly.

Bacteria levels in beach water can change from day to day or even hour to hour. Factors that can contribute to higher bacteria levels include recent rainfall, high winds, and the presence of ducks and birds. Wet sand and shallow water can also contribute to higher levels of bacteria.

Beaches may have higher than usual levels of bacteria for up to 48 hours after heavy rainfall and/or strong winds. Residents should avoid swimming during these periods.

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Learn more at hpePublicHealth.ca. For information on the status of Provincial Park beaches in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, visit ontarioparks.com/alerts.

Reduce risk of food borne illness

If you’re taking hot or cold food to a gathering, keep hot foods hot (60 C or warmer) and cold foods cold (4 C or colder).

For hot foods, use insulated thermal containers or wrap hot food in foil and cover with heavy towels.

Cold foods can be kept in coolers containing ice or frozen gel packs. Use a thermometer to check your food is kept below 4 C.

Don’t serve raw eggs or consume ingredients containing raw eggs. They may contain bacteria such as Salmonella or pathogenic (illness-causing) E. coli.

If you are barbecuing:

Marinate and store raw meat at 4 C or lower.

Wash hands after handling raw meat.

Avoid cross-contamination of ready to eat foods with raw meat.

Use a clean plate when taking food off the grill.

Use a digital food thermometer to ensure you have cooked meat thoroughly.

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