HEAT, HUMIDITY MAINTAIN GRIP ON AREA; WITH WORST TO COME, PRECAUTIONS ARE URGED

The National Weather Service predicts above average temperatures for Southeast Missouri this summer, which means above average risk of heat-related illnesses, says the Missouri Department of Health.

"This summer we urge all Missourians to take extra precautions to prevent heat-related illness and death," said Dr. Maureen Dempsey, director of the Department of Health. "Check on elderly family members and neighbors regularly to be sure they are not suffering from the effects of high temperatures. Do not leave infants and children unattended in hot environments."

Hot, humid days like those of the past few days are especially bad for sending people to emergency rooms with heat-related illnesses, said Pat Pennington, nurse manager of emergency services at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Heat-related illness occurs when the body's temperature control system is overloaded, said the health department. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but when the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate body temperature include old age, obesity, infection or fever, diarrhea or dehydration, certain medications, heart disease, poor circulation, diabetes, sunburn and drug or alcohol use. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.

Last year 92 Missourians died of heat-related causes, and 68 of them were 65 or older.

Pennington and Marcia Abernathy, director of emergency services at St. Francis Medical Center, said heat-related deaths are rare locally, but they do happen. And throughout the summer area emergency rooms see cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Pennington and Abernathy said those particularly susceptible to heat-related problems are the elderly, those who exercise or exert themselves during the hottest part of the day and those who work outdoors.

Abernathy said those who allow themselves to become dehydrated increase their risk for heat-related illness.

"Tea and sodas don't cut it," Abernathy said, noting that the caffeine in tea and colas has a dehydrating effect as do alcoholic beverages.

The best things to drink when out in the heat are water and sports drinks, Abernathy said.

"Missourians should be especially cautious during the first periods of high temperatures because they are not acclimated to the effects of higher temperatures and humidity," Dempsey said. Any sudden change in temperature such as an early heat wave will be stressful on a person's body. People will have a greater tolerance for the heat if they limit their physical activity until they become accustomed to the heat, she said.

The most efficient way to beat the heat is to spend time in air-conditioning. Those who do not have air conditioning in their homes should consider heading to a shopping mall, public library or other air-conditioned location when temperatures and humidity get high.

Electric fans are useful to increase comfort or to draw cool air into your home at night.

Pennington said misting yourself with water or applying cool, damp cloths to the neck and head can increase the cooling capacity of fans, especially when it is very humid.

The Salvation Army and East Missouri Action Agency both have fan programs for low-income people. EMAA also has an air-conditioner loan program.

Kevin Sexton said EMAA has a limited number of window air-conditioning units it can loan to individuals certified by a doctor as having a life-threatening condition. There are also a few air-conditioning units paid for by funds raised through Christmas for the Elderly that are reserved for senior citizens, he said.

Sexton said the fan program funded by the federal Energy Crisis Intervention Program is aimed at providing fans to families with children under 5 or the disabled.

There are income guidelines for both the air-conditioner and fan programs, Sexton said. For information on either program call the East Missouri Action Agency at 334-5533.

Maj. Robert Gauthier said the Salvation Army bought more than 20 fans last week and has already given them all away. For the rest of the summer the Salvation Army will rely on donations of fans to fill the requests of the low-income residents it serves.

"At this time we have more requests than donated fans," Gauthier said.

For more information on donating fans or on obtaining one call the Salvation Army at 335-7000.

Gauthier said that on days when the heat and humidity index gets to dangerous levels he will open the Salvation Army building, 701 Good Hope, to those who need a cool place.

How to prevent heat-related illness

• Be aware of warning signs such as light-headedness, mild nausea, confusion, sleepiness or profuse sweating.
• While outdoors rest frequently in a shady area so that your body's thermostat has a chance to recover.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully, preferably before noon or in the evening,
• If unaccustomed to working or exercising in heat, start slowly, pick up the pace gradually and limit your exercise or work time.
• Wear sunscreen to protect skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. If you are 65 or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day when hot weather health advisories have been issued.
• Stay indoors and in air-conditioning. If air conditioning is not available, consider a visit to a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, supermarket or other air-conditioned location for a few hours.
• Increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink fluids. Ensure infants and children drink adequate amounts of liquids.
• Avoid drinks containing caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar because they will cause you to lose more fluid. Also, avoid very cold beverages because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Electric fans may be useful to increase comfort and to draw cool air into your home at night, but do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during a heat wave. When the temperature is in the upper 90s or higher, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath is a more effective way to cool off.
• Check regularly on those at greatest risk of heat-related illness, which include infants and children up to 4, people 65 or older, people who are overweight, people who overexert during work or exercise and people who are ill or on certain medications.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals.
• Ask your doctor whether medications you take affect your body's response to the heat.
• Do not leave infants, children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.