We are increasingly hearing about the impacts of climate change on our health and well-being: more extreme heat and wildfires, disrupted weather patterns leading to flooding, and ticks carrying Lyme disease that are able to live farther north.
While it’s perfectly understandable to experience some degree of climate anxiety and distress, thankfully, there are steps that each of us can take—and many of them are easy to implement.
This is the message Jane Mantyla, Health Promoter in the Health Protection Division at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, wants to share with Greater Sudbury residents. “With respect to mitigating climate change, more and more progress is being made every year,” she assures. “There are a variety of small changes we can try and adaptations that can enhance our health and quality of life.”
The following how-tos are a great place to start:
Adopt healthy habits
1. Choose active transportation
The June 2023 Green Living article highlights active transportation and how our commuting habits affect the health of the environment. By choosing to walk and bike for travel and leisure, we can enhance health and well-being no matter our age.
Active transportation further supports a balance between motorized travel and more environmentally friendly ways to get around.
2. Use public transit
The City of Greater Sudbury is committed to creating complete streets that cater to the needs of all users. This includes people of varying ages and abilities who walk, bike, take transit or drive. The long-term goal is to build a well-functioning street network that supports and sustains residents’ quality of life.
With fewer cars on the road and more people choosing to commute actively, there is more space available for landscaping. This, in turn, promotes cleaner air, more shade and improved stormwater management, making Greater Sudbury more resilient to the effects of climate change.
3. Eat sustainably
Earlier in the year, the City published a Spotlight article full of helpful, sustainable eating tips that can help both you and the planet. Revisit the piece:
Sustainable eating: How small changes can help the planet in 2024
Keep yourself safe
4. Avoid ticks and prevent Lyme disease
Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, have been found in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, particularly in tall grasses and brush in wooded areas. Infected blacklegged ticks can spread Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.
To keep your family safe and prevent tick bites:
- Check for ticks immediately after activities like gardening or hiking.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into your socks, closed-toe shoes and any special clothing designed to repel ticks.
- Use insect repellents that are approved by Health Canada and follow the application instructions on the label.
- Take a shower after outdoor activities; this helps wash off any ticks that have not yet attached to your skin.
How can you tell if it’s a blacklegged tick? Submit a photo of the suspect bug to etick.ca.
If you find a tick on a human, follow these steps:
- Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick close to the skin and gently pull straight up.
- Wash the area with soap and water, then disinfect your skin and hands using rubbing alcohol or an iodine swab.
Watch out for symptoms of Lyme disease, including:
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue
- An expanding circular rash that resembles a bullseye
If you have any of the above symptoms, visit your health care provider or pharmacist to see if treatment is needed. Left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious complications to the heart, joints and nervous system.
5. Protect yourself from wildfire smoke impacts
As we saw last year, wildfires can be raging hundreds of kilometres away and still greatly affect local air quality. This kind of smoke contains a mixture of gases and fine particles and releases contaminants into the air, including fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds.
Different people can have very different reactions to the same amount of smoke.
Caution is especially important for older adults, people who smoke, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who do strenuous outdoor work or exercise and people with existing health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, heart or lung conditions. Some of the milder symptoms of smoke exposure include mild cough, headache, and eye, nose and throat irritation. You can usually manage these symptoms without requiring medical intervention.
If, however, you have severe cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, dizziness, chest pain or irregular heartbeat, contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention.
Take precautions to protect your health:
- Stop, reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.
- Drink plenty of water to help your body cope.
- If the temperature is comfortable, keep windows closed indoors and in vehicles.
- Use the recirculation setting on air conditioners and HVAC systems to prevent smoke from entering.
- Visit places with cleaner, filtered air, such as libraries or shopping malls.
- If needed, follow your health care provider’s advice about managing your condition.
When smoke is in the air, should you wear a N95 mask? If you must be outdoors when air quality is poor, a well-fitted respirator-type mask (such as a N95 mask) may help reduce your exposure to fine particles in the smoke. Fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. Keep in mind that respirators should not be used by children under 2 years of age, or by individuals who have difficulty removing the respirator. Do not use a respirator if you have trouble breathing while wearing it.
Public Health strongly recommends residents check the local weather forecast to know when to take extra care. Monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) or sign up for notifications at WeatherCAN: How to set up custom notifications – Canada.ca.
6. Learn how to cope with extreme heat
During a heat warning, check in frequently on friends, neighbours and relatives —especially those who are at higher risk of developing heat-related illness, such as small children, pregnant people, people with chronic illness and older adults. Ensure that everyone stays cool and hydrated.
According to the City of Greater Sudbury’s Hot Weather Response Plan, prevention is the best defense against heat-related illness.
Tips to stay cool in hot weather:
- Plan activities for earlier in the day when it's cooler.
- Go to an air-conditioned public place. When the City of Greater Sudbury activates the Hot Weather Response Plan, certain public locations will have extended hours.
- Go to the beach, splash pad or a park where there is shade.
- When you are working or exercising in the heat, don't expect your usual performance. Drink lots of water and take ample breaks.
- Practise sun safety! Wear a wide-brimmed hat, choose light-coloured, breathable clothing and wear sunscreen labelled SPF 30 or higher.
If it’s very hot in your home or apartment:
- Draw the blinds during the day and open the windows at night.
- Take cool baths or showers until you feel refreshed. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion such as headaches, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, rapid breathing or a rapid heartbeat. In children, symptoms can look different. Look out for changes in behaviour, like sleepiness or temper tantrums. If any of these symptoms arise, move immediately to a cool spot (an air-conditioned place is best), and hydrate. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If someone has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating, call 911.
Learn how to beat the heat.
7. Prevent flooding around your home
Floods are the most common natural hazard in Canada. They can cause a lot of damage and raise big safety concerns.
Here are some easy adaptations:
- Remove debris from the nearest storm drain
- Clean out eavestroughs
- Extend downspouts to direct water at least 2m from the foundation
- Store valuables in watertight containers 12” off the floor
- Install a raingarden
This home flood protection infographic from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation is particularly helpful.
8. Have 72-hour emergency kits ready
Every resident should be able to take care of themselves for a minimum of three days following an emergency. To do this, a portable 72-hour emergency kit is essential. You can purchase one online from the Canadian Red Cross or build one yourself.
What should be in your kit?
- Water (at least four litres of water per person per day for drinking, cooking and cleaning)
- Non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- Sleeping bag/blanket
- Change of clothing (seasonally appropriate)
- Garbage bags (for disposal of used items)
- Toilet paper
- Safety gloves
- Basic tools (such as a hammer, pliers, wrench and screwdriver)
- Dust mask
- Activities for children (such as books, cards or toys)
“Adapting to climate change and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is possible. Embracing simple actions not only helps the planet, but contributes to your wellbeing and the community’s resiliency,” says Mantyla.
Learn more about the City of Greater Sudbury’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gases and help the community achieve its climate action goals.
If you have a project you’d like the City to highlight, contact Jennifer Babin-Fenske at [email protected].
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES