Shade is one of many ways to prevent getting heat stroke according to AHS

Without proper planning, a trip to the beach or park in the Foothills this week could result in a number of serious medical conditions.

One of the most common conditions during the summer tends to be heat stroke, which can be prevalent with temperatures around the 30 degree mark, which is slated to happen this week in Southern Alberta.

Medical Officer of Health with Alberta Health Services Dr. Brent Friesen says heat stroke brings on a wide variety of symptoms that someone could experience.

"You actually stop sweating," Friesen says. "So, you will feel hot but you are not sweating. If you notice a person being disoriented or seemingly confused, and that. Fainting of course, and with actual heat stroke the person being unconscious."

Easy ways to avoid and prevent heat stroke are to hydrate throughout the day, and to take breaks from the sun either in the shade or in air conditioned buildings.

Friesen says there are a number of people who are at greater risk of being affected by heat stroke.

"Very young children, older individuals," he says. "People on certain types of medication, the medication [can] affect the body's ability to regulate its temperature. And then of course, people working and playing outdoors that are engaging in strenuous activity."

As for sunscreen, Friesen recommends Foothills residents use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 to avoid the UVA and UVB rays.

Friesen says warm stretches during the summer are also a good time to check on elderly neighbours.

"Many of our houses don't have air conditioning in them, and so seniors are more susceptible to heat stroke," he says. "So, [it's important] to check in with them to make sure they are doing okay, and don't need any assistance."

Temperatures in the Foothills are expected to peak around 32 degrees on the weekend, before things cool down slightly to 28-29 degrees during the first few days of the work week.