Extreme heat can cause significant health risks, particularly for youth experiencing homelessness, who are at greater risk of heat-related illness, including heat stroke. We spoke with Nicole Dan, a registered nurse in Covenant House Toronto’s health care clinic about the impacts of extreme heat on youth experiencing homelessness and how she and her team help.
Q: What are some common health issues you see youth present with at the clinic when it gets really hot out?
In the summer, we see a lot of heat related illnesses – heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat stress. These are caused from being outside too long, being in direct sunlight, dehydration, not having consistent water sources. Sometimes water is not enough if you’ve been outside a long time - electrolytes are important to replenish everything our bodies are sweating out.
Q: Why do these specific health challenges arise and what are you specifically concerned about this summer?
Because youth experiencing homelessness are outdoors more often in the summer and walking around, they don’t often have a cool indoor space to go and rest. Sometimes it’s hard for them to access public spaces, like pools and splash pads. We worry about the heat making some conditions they already have – like respiratory illnesses – worse. We also see some youth who may be living in tents staying inside them too long in the heat because they’re worried about what will happen to the tent if they leave temporarily to go grab something.
Q: What do we do here at Covenant House to help keep young people safe?
When youth show up in our health clinic, we offer electrolyte packets they can mix with water to help stay hydrated, water bottles they can refill, sunscreen, aloe vera, foot powder. We also try to provide some education with youth on how to stay safe in the sun. When a youth comes in experiencing heat related illness, we immediately cool them down with a cup of cold water or cold juice and have them rest. It can take a little while for the body to adjust – anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the person. Then, if there’s an extreme heat warning, we try to refer them to our drop-in centre here at Covenant House open seven days a week during the peak hot hours of 12-7pm where youth can find respite and support.