By Matt Pouncy

Families are looking to stay cool during the heat this week

Jul 17, 2018 | 5:34 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Medicine Hat has around three hundred days of sun a year, and this week, as the temperature rises so does the risk for other heat related illnesses.

With temperatures reaching the mid to high 30s this week, residents are trying to find ways to safely enjoy the outdoors.

Health officials say the heat can affect people in a number of ways, with symptoms ranging from mild to potentially life threatening.

Dr. Lizette Elumir, medical officer of health for the South Zone with Alberta Health Services, says there are signs to look for when it comes to heat-related illnesses.

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“A big one is confusion, and the other thing is when they stop sweating. When they aren’t sweating anymore is an odd sign. They should be sweating a lot,” said Elumir.

Elumir says these signs can be even harder to spot with young children, who are more vulnerable to the elements.

She says communication is important to find out if there’s a problem, along with making sure they have lots of water throughout the day.

Parents at the Ross Glen water park this morning were doing their best to protect their kids from the heat.

“Find a shady spot, stock up with water and sunscreen. When you get hot, go in the water.”

“Lots of suntan lotion, and keep their hats on, when they do keep their hats on.”

For one mom, taking a break from the heat is a great way to connect indoors.

“So it’s a good time for bonding inside for me, and my older son, and than the two younger ones nap. Then everyone just gets re-energized, re-fulled and then we finish the day here at the water park.”

Play Days is a program offered to get kids moving in an outdoor, physical setting.

Paige Callaghan, director of Play Days, says she makes adjustments in her activities to keep the kids cool.

“We’re going to bring water balloons as much as we can, just to try and cool off and I think three of the four parks we’re going to has a water park there. So we’re gonna let kids in that unstructured play time kinda use the water park as part of the games,” said Callaghan.

Callaghan wants parents to be prepared when bringing their children outdoors.

With more sun and high temperatures in the forecast this week, water parks could provide some much needed shelter from the heat.