Have fun but stay safe during Whoop-Up Days

LETHBRIDGE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) wants residents and visitors to enjoy Whoop-Up Days and to stay safe.

To help celebrate the event, all are welcome to join a pancake breakfast hosted by Inclusion Lethbridge and supported by Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH) Staff Engagement Committee and Friends of Chinook Regional Hospital.

Pancake breakfast, Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the CRH South entrance, 960 19 St. S, Lethbridge. The cost is $3 per plate, which included pancakes, sausages and a beverage, with all proceeds supporting the ongoing work of Inclusion Lethbridge.

Heat safety:

People can be affected by heat stress in several ways, from mild to life-threatening. Young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions are at the highest risk. Young, healthy people participating in strenuous activity and those working outdoors during the heat may also be at risk. If your body temperature gets too high, you can get heat-related illnesses. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency and requires medical attention as soon as possible. For emergencies, visit your nearest local emergency department or call 911.

Prior to leaving home, check the air quality, humidity and for any forecasted heat warnings. If you’re trying to keep cool:

• Do activities early or later in the day when it is cooler.
• Try to avoid strenuous activities.
• Take frequent breaks and seek shade.
• Drink lots of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated.

Protect your skin from the sun. If you are planning on being outdoors:

• Apply a sunscreen that screens out UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply it 20 minutes before going outside and reapply frequently.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses (with a UVA/UVB CSA certified seal).
• Wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants that cover skin.

Know your options so you can get the right care when you need it. Health Link at 811 provides 24/7 health advice and information. Other options include your family doctor, ambulatory care and family care clinics, walk-in clinics and your local pharmacy. Visit ahs.ca/options for more info. For emergencies, visit your nearest local emergency department or call 911.

Be cognizant of your alcohol use:

Even a small amount of alcohol can be damaging to health. Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health states consuming more than two standard drinks per occasion is associated with an increased risk of harms to self and others, including injuries and violence. Each additional standard drink increases the risk of alcohol-related consequences.

If you choose to drink, learn more about the risks associated with two or more drinks per week. Visit Alberta Health Services' Alcohol resources to view Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health.

Set a weekly maximum and do not exceed it. You can also:

• Drink slowly.
• Drink plenty of water.
• For every drink of alcohol, have one non-alcoholic drink.
• Choose alcohol-free or low-alcohol beverages.
• Eat before and while you’re drinking.

There are times when no alcohol use is safest. Avoid alcohol when:

• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Breastfeeding.
• Driving a motor vehicle (e.g., car, truck, motorcycle, e-bike, scooter).
• Taking medicine or other drugs that interact with alcohol.
• You are responsible for the safety of others (e.g., you are a designated driver); and making important decisions (e.g., in relationships).

If you or anyone you know is struggling with alcohol use, call the AHS Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322, available 24/7 for free, confidential information and referral support.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.