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According to a news release from Dr. Allard, those most at risk for heat illness include infants and young children, the elderly, people who are overweight, and those with chronic medical conditions, especially kidney diseases.

People on certain medications that impair the body's ability to regulate heat or perspiration, especially people with mental-health conditions, are also at risk.

Even young and healthy individuals can be affected by heat if they engage in behaviours that put them at risk, such as taking part in strenuous physical activities in hot weather.

"Muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, and nausea are all symptoms of heat-related illness," said Dr. Allard. "Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool, preferably air-conditioned environment, drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages, and rest.

"If symptoms worsen or are severe, seek immediate medical attention. What may start as a milder form of heat-related illness might progress to heat stroke, which could be life-threatening."

To prevent heat illness, New Brunswickers should take these precautions:

Drink plenty of fluids (avoid beverages containing alcohol and caffeine, as they make the body lose fluids);

Avoid the heat, and limiting outdoor activity to morning and evening hours;

Limit physical activity and pace yourself carefully;

Where possible, spend time in an air-conditioned environment, either at home or at places such as malls and other public buildings;

Take a cool bath or shower as an effective way to cool off. Electric fans lose their effectiveness when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees;

Go to an air-conditioned location, even for a few hours. Help persons living alone, who may have difficulty in caring for themselves or who are immobile to relocate to a cooler environment. Such a simple act may save a life in hot weather, especially when humidity is high;

Consume sufficient fluids and taking rest periods in shaded or cool areas if engaging in vigourous physical activity when temperatures and humidex readings are high. Even healthy athletes are at risk of heat illness; and

Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, and wearing light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Sunburn can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature, so where possible, avoid exposure.