ALBERTA – With a variety of fun events taking place over the coming weeks, including the Calgary Stampede, KDays, and various powwows, rodeos, and festivals throughout the province, Primary Care Alberta encourages everyone to stay safe while enjoying all summer has to offer in Alberta.

Beat the heat

Simple precautions like staying hydrated and cool can protect you from the sun and heat this summer. Heat exhaustion can make you feel dizzy, nauseous, or faint. Children, older adults, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion and dehydration. Some medications can increase the risks related to heat exposure. Check with your care provider or pharmacist for more information.

To avoid heat-related illness and practice sun safety

• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applying at least 30 minutes before going outside and reapplying every two hours
• Drink lots of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with a UVA/UVB CSA certified seal
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day
• Take frequent breaks from the heat in cooled indoor spaces where possible.

Heat stroke can result in high body temperature, lack of sweat, disorientation, fainting, or unconsciousness. If you’re concerned someone may have heat stroke, move them to a shaded area, remove outer clothing and shoes, wrap them in a wet towel, and get medical attention.

Lower the risk

Consider using less alcohol or going alcohol free while enjoying summer activities. Alcohol alters how we think, act, and feel. The effects can change depending on your weight, sex, age, what you have eaten, and if you have taken any other substances (like prescription drugs, over-the-counter-medicine, cannabis, or other drugs). The size of a drink, the amount of alcohol in the drink, and how fast you drink also have an impact. Never leave your drink unattended, and do not accept drinks – even water – from someone you don’t know and trust.

If you choose to use cannabis, opt for products with low THC. Start with a small amount and wait until you feel the full effects before taking more. This can take up to 30 minutes with inhaled cannabis and up to four hours with edible cannabis. Taking more can increase your risk of adverse effects. Cannabis effects can last up to 24 hours. If you choose to use cannabis, use only legally purchased cannabis. Cannabis purchased through non-legal sources is not tested for quality, may contain a different amount of THC than on the label and may contain harmful chemicals, pesticides, mold, fungus, or bacteria.

Alcohol and cannabis can affect your coordination, balance, reaction time, judgment, and ability to make safe and healthy decisions for you and others. Impacts can be serious, including injuries from falls, drowning, memory loss, or medication interactions. Avoid mixing substances like alcohol and cannabis as the results can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Zero alcohol or cannabis is the limit when:

• Taking part in dangerous physical activities
• Driving a vehicle, watercraft, or using machinery
• If pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• In situations where you’re responsible for the safety of others.

If you choose to drink or consume cannabis, please do so responsibly and plan a safe way home ahead of time. When someone is choosing not to drink or use cannabis, be supportive of their decision to stay sober.

Care is a lifelong commitment for Primary Care Alberta. We plan, fund and support primary healthcare across the province, improving access to care providers and offering front-line services through Health Link 811 and public health teams. Throughout the health journey, we are by your side – managing, preventing and reducing illness. Along with our partners, we nurture the connections our communities need to thrive and strengthen the health of all Albertans.