AHS asks Calgary Stampede attendees to stay safe

Alberta Health Services (AHS) says people celebrating at the Calgary Stampede should stay hydrated and drink responsibly as thousands of party-goers hit the grounds this week.

The warning comes as Calgary braces for some hot weather, Environment Canada says temperatures will hover around 30 degrees at times during the 10-day festival.

There are no heat warnings in effect for Calgary as of Monday morning, however, the city could issue advisories if temperatures get too hot.

AHS says it recommends attendees to watch how much alcohol they drink. AHS suggests limiting alcoholic beverages to no more than two to three drinks per day most days.

The health authority says it’s important to consume plenty of water or non-alcoholic/non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated.

“If you start to feel overheated, stop your activity immediately, seek shade and drink fluids,” AHS said.

Signs of heat-stoke include:

• high body temperature
• lack of sweat
• disorientation
• fainting
• unconsciousness

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The health agency is also reminding Stampede-goers that there is an ongoing outbreak of syphilis in Alberta, and to practice safe sex to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

If left untreated, syphilis can cause severe issues with your brain and heart, as well as cause blindness, deafness, or mental health problems.

“Cases of syphilis have been observed across all age groups in this outbreak,” AHS said. “Anyone engaging in unprotected sex outside a mutually monogamous relationship is at risk of syphilis infection and other STIs.”