The late summer heat experienced across much of the province in recent days has people trying to find ways to beat the high temperatures.

The mercury is expected to reach as high as 27 degrees across much of the island today – higher in parts of Labrador.

Dr. Mike Wahl, a health and wellness advocate and host of The Wahl Show on VOCM, acknowledges that we haven’t seen a lot of warm weather this year, which means people need to make a few adjustments to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Wahl says sweat is the body’s way of regulating heat, but when it’s humid, it’s harder for sweat to evaporate, making it less effective in cooling the body off.

For those who wish to stay active, he advises moving your activities to the early morning or evening hours when it’s cooler, and to stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.

While rare, heat stroke is a serious medical emergency with signs that shouldn’t be ignored.

“They include rapid heartbeat, intense thirst – if those things start to happen, it’s time to stop the activity, drink some water and monitor your symptoms. But, if somebody gets to a point where they start getting really confused, acting out of character or even passing out, that’s going to be a medical emergency as it can be heat stroke.”

“I wouldn’t expect many folks experience that in their lifetime, but at the same time, people should be aware of it, especially if they’re exerting or really susceptible to heat.”