EDUCATION, AGENCIES HELP COMBAT HEAT WAVE IN AREA

Cape Girardeau health officials aren't surprised there have only been 11 heat-related hospital cases amid a heat wave the last 11 days.

Cape Girardeau County Health Department Director Charlotte Craig said the high volume of information over the last few years has armed the public with ways to avoid the emergency room.

"Something as simple as knowing that you should not take salt tablets and should take plenty of fluids during a heat wave can go a long way in preventing heat-related illnesses," Craig said.

"People seem to be aware of signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion more now than at any other time that I can remember."

The St. Francis Medical Center reported five cases of heat exhaustion in the last eight days. Southeast Hospital received six cases of heat-related illnesses. Both hospitals said the cases were treated and the patients were released.

"This is a community where neighbors check on each other to make sure they are OK," said St. Francis Medical Center spokeswoman Mary Spell. "There are also a lot of agencies out there like the Salvation Army and Red Cross that do a good job helping out."

Mary Burton, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Red Cross, said there are several agencies offering information on how to deal with the dog days of summer.

The Red Cross has a publication called Heat Wave that is available for free. Some of the tips in the manual include eating light meals, avoiding foods that are high in protein to keep the body's metabolic rate low. If you work outdoors, use sunscreen.

The copy can be obtained at the Red Cross office at 2430 Myra or by writing the Red Cross using the zip code 63703.

Brad Golden, who is the Cape Girardeau Fire Department medical officer, said vital information on how to deal with the heat can literally be a life saver for firefighters.

"We have a rehab system that helps firemen get back fluids and electrolytes lost while fighting a fire," Golden said. A good example of how well firefighters handled the heat both indoors and out could be see during the fire at Fountain a few weeks ago.

"We got through that without much heat-related trouble at all," Golden said.

"We're not only dealing with the heat outside, but the 200 to 300 degrees inside," firefighter Mark Hasheider said.

The Visiting Nurses Association passed out leaflets last year to inform the elderly and those without air conditioners about ways to avoid heat-related medical problems.

"People around here seem very educated about health, especially during extreme temperatures," said Debbie Hayden, Visiting Nurses Association health coordinator.

Bob Robins, Union Electric office and sales supervisor, said area consumers have shattered megawatt usage from 1993 by a significant margin. "In August of 1993 we hit a daily peak of 7,540 megawatts, but we've topped that in July by a daily usage peak of 7,950," he said. A megawatt represents 100,000 watts of energy.

Robins said the 1995 record reflects a growth rate and an attitude. "It shows that we have more customers since 1993 and some of the people who used to have window air conditioners have moved into central units," he added. Robins said UE is equipped to handle the demand as long as storms don't interfere.

Salvation Army Capt. Robert Gauthier said there are still 20 fans available for those who qualify. People 55 years or older, have a child or are handicapped may qualify for a fan.

Those in need of a fan to combat the heat should go to the Salvation Army, 700 Good Hope, during business hours and provide a social security card.

A spokesman for the National Weather Service said there is no immediate relief in sight. This weekend's forecast includes temperatures as high as the mid-90s.