Be Aware Health Care | July 17th, 2023

11 Tips to Stay Cool and Safe Without A/C

As the summer heat intensifies, staying cool and safe becomes a top priority, especially if you don't have air conditioning at home. While beating the heat without A/C might seem challenging, there are several effective and simple ways to keep yourself cool and protected during scorching days. In this guide, we'll explore a list of practical tips and tricks to help you stay comfortable and safe throughout the sweltering summer months.

1. Create Cross-Ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of your living space to promote natural airflow. Position fans strategically to enhance the breeze and maintain a cooler atmosphere indoors.

2. Use Window Coverings: During the hottest part of the day, keep curtains, blinds, or shades closed to block out direct sunlight and prevent your living space from becoming a greenhouse.

3. Optimize Fans: Place a bowl of ice in front of your fan to circulate cooler air throughout the room.

4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and regulate your body temperature. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.

5. Wear Lightweight Clothing: Dress in loose-fitting, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen to allow your body to cool naturally. Light-colored clothing can also help reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption.

6. Create DIY Cooling Devices: Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator. Spritz yourself with the cold water for a refreshing cooling effect.

7. Take Cool Showers: Lower your body temperature by taking cool showers or baths, especially before going to bed.

8. Avoid Strenuous Activities: Minimize physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. If you need to exercise, opt for early mornings or late evenings when temperatures are lower.

9. Seek Shade: If you need to venture outside, stay in shaded areas and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for added sun protection.

10. Use Wet Towels: Place damp towels on your neck, wrists, and forehead to help cool your body down quickly.

11. Sleep in Cooler Areas: If possible, sleep on a lower level of your home or create a sleeping area in the basement where temperatures tend to be cooler.

In this week’s email:

Ontario News

1. Ontario Hospital Apologizes for Mistakenly Charging Patients for OHIP-covered Medical Test

2. Temporary Closure of Emergency Departments at Carleton Place and Almonte Hospitals Due to Nursing Shortage

3. Healthcare Workers Rally Against Hospital Privatization in Toronto

4. Enhancing Healthcare Access: New Ontario Health Teams Established in Northeastern Ontario

5. Analysis Reveals Inconsistent Enforcement and Poor Outcomes in Ontario's Long-Term Care Homes

Canada News 🇨🇦

1. Health Canada Implements New Reporting Requirements to Tackle Vaping Habits Amid Rising Concerns

2. Persistent Pertussis Outbreak: Urgent Call for Immunization in Southern Alberta

Ontario News

Ontario Hospital Apologizes for Mistakenly Charging Patients for OHIP-Covered Medical Test

Ontario hospital apologizes for mistakenly asking patients to pay for a medical test covered by OHIP. University Health Network has acknowledged the error and confirmed that there is no cost to patients for the procedure. Out of the 100 patients contacted, 20 had already paid and will be reimbursed. The hospital launched an investigation after patients were wrongly informed that OHIP no longer covered the Vestibular Head Impulse Test. The incident raised concerns about those who may have declined the test due to the cost. The patient who initially flagged the issue expressed relief but questioned what would have happened if she hadn't brought it to attention.

Temporary Closure of Emergency Departments at Carleton Place and Almonte Hospitals Due to Nursing Shortage

The emergency departments at Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital and Almonte General Hospital were temporarily closed last weekend due to a nursing shortage. The closures were a result of staffing challenges faced by many rural hospitals in Ontario and across the country. The Carleton Place emergency department was closed from 3 p.m. on Friday until 12 p.m. on Saturday. The decision to close the emergency departments was made after exhausting all alternatives and was not taken lightly.

Healthcare Workers Rally Against Hospital Privatization in Toronto

Healthcare workers from hospitals in Toronto held rallies to protest against the privatization of hospital services by the Ford government. Nurses, support workers, technologists, aides, cleaners, and clerical staff from Unity Health Toronto's sites participated in the rallies. The unions representing the workers presented a petition signed by over 4,000 hospital staff, urging Unity Health Toronto's CEO to take a stand against Bill 60, which allows contracting out surgeries and diagnostic procedures to private clinics. The workers emphasized that diverting public funds to private clinics will undermine the public healthcare system, leading to reduced accessibility, longer wait times, and staffing shortages. Similar rallies have been organized by a coalition of Ontario's major healthcare unions across the province, advocating for increased investments in the public system to enhance patient care and address backlogs.

Enhancing Healthcare Access: New Ontario Health Teams Established in Northeastern Ontario

Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones announced the creation of three new Ontario health teams in Sudbury, Cochrane, and Timiskaming, aiming to improve access to healthcare in Northeastern Ontario. These teams will facilitate easier connections between patients and different healthcare providers in their local areas. The goal is to enable seamless transitions and continuity of care by sharing patient records and care plans electronically. The new health teams will serve specific regions in Northeastern Ontario, including Sudbury, Cochrane, Matheson, Timmins, and surrounding areas. This expansion is part of the province's plan to transform healthcare access and ensure patients receive timely and convenient care in their communities.

Analysis Reveals Inconsistent Enforcement and Poor Outcomes in Ontario's Long-Term Care Homes

An analysis by CBC News has found that several long-term care homes in Ontario, which are planning to expand with taxpayer support, are run by operators with repeated violations or poor outcomes during the pandemic. Despite promises of increased oversight and enforcement measures, fines for non-compliance with the Long-Term Care Homes Act were found to be applied inconsistently and below the potential maximum of $1 million. Proactive inspections of long-term care homes, which were reintroduced in 2022, have been limited, with only a fraction of homes receiving inspections. The lack of consequences for homes with poor COVID outcomes and violations is concerning to families who have lost loved ones and raises questions about the effectiveness of enforcement measures in the province.

Canada News 🇨🇦

Health Canada Implements New Reporting Requirements to Tackle Vaping Habits Amid Rising Concerns

Health Canada has introduced new regulations requiring Canadian vape retailers and manufacturers to submit semiannual sales figures and ingredient lists. The move comes as a response to concerns about the lack of oversight in the vaping industry, referred to as a "Wild West." The reports aim to gain insights into popular vaping products, especially among youth, and identify the specific ingredients being inhaled by users. The vaping industry has expressed concerns about sharing full ingredient lists publicly, citing potential intellectual property risks. Health officials hope the data will inform future tobacco control measures to curb the rising trend of youth vaping.

Persistent Pertussis Outbreak: Urgent Call for Immunization in Southern Alberta

An outbreak of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, continues to affect southern Alberta, with 304 confirmed cases in the province this year. The outbreak began in January, and 53 new cases have been identified since mid-June. The majority of cases (75%) are in children under the age of 10, and seven children have been hospitalized. Pertussis is highly contagious and can lead to severe coughing, pneumonia, and other complications. Vaccination is the best protection against the disease, but immunization rates in Alberta have dropped in recent years. Health authorities are urging parents to ensure their children are immunized to help control the outbreak.