Health experts suggest frequent contact with at-risk adults during extreme heat wave

In the middle of a heat wave on Canada Day, the federal government is raising an alarm over the weather conditions.

Additionally, an emergency room doctor from St. Joseph’s Hospital is sharing the concern for people who are among the most vulnerable in this heat.

Canada Day is a day to celebrate the country, but it’s also a day to keep an eye out for older people who can be hit hard by the heat, and the medical advice is that personal contact is key.

With southern Ontario sweltering through temperatures in the 30s, a “feels like” temperature heading for the 40s, and heat coming on like a furnace, for some, this Canada Day was a search for a way to stay cool.

Health Canada is warning that “Canada is warming at over twice the global average” and “rising temperatures and more frequent heat events pose serious health risks,” especially for older adults.

An emergency room doctor from St. Joseph’s Hospital is echoing Health Canada’s warning about the heat.

READ MORE: Extreme heat wave in Ontario continues for Canada Day

“The folks that are more vulnerable that we see in the community typically, is older adults,” said Dr. Shawn Mondoux at St. Joseph’s Hospital

Along with staying out of the heat and keeping hydrated, he says one of the main heat issues among the elderly is isolation — people who don’t have others to look after them.

“In this context the single biggest predictor of who’s going to have a bad outcome of a heat wave is not age itself, it’s isolation,” said Dr. Mondoux. “And so folks need to just check in, have the compassion of being a family member, pick up the phone, make a phone call, drive over, bring people some hydration and some food, some drink, and enjoy each other’s company. Bring the people who are isolated out of the heat.”

Health Canada is also recommending an “upper indoor temperature limit of 26 C” to protect older adults from heat-related injuries and death.

The agency says “sustained exposure to indoor temperatures between 26 C and 31 C, especially overnight, should be avoided whenever possible.”

It says the “guidance is intended for public health officials”, and possible actions could include “heat safety planning” and “personal cooling strategies.”

WATCH MORE: WHO reports record-breaking heat wave in Europe kills over 1,300 people

At the Lynden Canada Day celebration Wednesday, many of the classic cars on display were accompanied by owners of a “classic age.”

Many attendees experienced reliving fond memories and the lure of vintage cars, but as with aging cars that require special attention, aging owners have to be cautious as well.

Bill Drever, who organizes the Lynden Canada Day event, is in his 80s and says his family follows the doctor’s advice to keep in touch.

“I move slower,” said Drever. “I always know where the nearest cold spot is. I’m supposed to call in once a day and say I’m alive, ha ha.”

The federal government says its suggestion of an upper limit for indoor temperatures is good for everybody, not just for older people.

It says the recommendation is meant to give officials guidance on developing policies and any interventions to protect people from heat and the experts recommend not just keeping in touch with family, but checking up older neighbours as well.

WATCH MORE: Extreme, prolonged heat wave to grip Ontario