Seniors should keep their cool this week as Environment Canada predicts weather hitting highs of 27 degrees Saturday and Sunday in Victoria.

For active seniors it may mean getting out in the garden, but do it safely, says the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 nice that we have this problem, that weB次元官网网址檙e finally getting some summer weather. That will benefit people psychologically,B次元官网网址� said Richard Stanwick, chief medical health officer for VIHA.

B次元官网网址淕et out there and enjoy the weather but take the right precautions.B次元官网网址�

Use sunscreen as always, and if youB次元官网网址檙e heading out to the garden, donB次元官网网址檛 do it between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

B次元官网网址淎s you get older, you actually have smaller water reserves on board,B次元官网网址� Stanwick said. B次元官网网址淓ven if youB次元官网网址檙e physically active and fit, you just donB次元官网网址檛 have the reserves you used to. B次元官网网址� Make sure you have a water bottle, and use it.B次元官网网址�

Stay away from caffeine or alcohol that stimulate the kidneys to get rid of excess water.

There are also medications seniors may take that mask the symptoms of overheating, Stanwick warns. So take the precautions and take note if your urine output drops.

B次元官网网址淚f you donB次元官网网址檛 have air conditioning or a cooling fan in your apartment or your suite, this may be a good time to visit the mall,B次元官网网址� he said.

Seniors are also more prone to falls as the temperature rises.

B次元官网网址淚f you get up quickly in hot weather, your likelihood of passing out goes up,B次元官网网址� Stanwick said. B次元官网网址淚f itB次元官网网址檚 hot, take it slow.B次元官网网址�

Heat stroke symptoms:

* Hot, red, dry skin

* Rapid pulse

* Rapid, shallow breathing

* Headache

* Confusion, untypical behaviour

* Possible loss of consciousness

* Extremely high core temperature of up to 41 degrees Celsius