NO IMMEDIATE RELIEF IN SIGHT FROM HEAT WAVE

No immediate relief is in sight from the heat wave that has pushed temperatures into the mid- to upper-90s each of the past 16 days.

There is a chance of scattered thunderstorms today in Southeast Missouri; but where no rain occurs highs will again be in the low- to mid-90s.

Since June 27, the daily high at the airport has been at or above 90 degrees. The hottest day of the year so far occurred Thursday, when the temperature reached 97 degrees. Tuesday's high of 93 was the lowest at the airport since July 6.

Add the temperature and high relative humidity levels and you've got a daily heat index that's averaged above 100 degrees for most of the month.

Despite the prolonged heat, Cape Girardeau area residents seem to be taking the hot weather in stride. Most apparently are taking the advice of medical authorities on how to deal with the summer heat and high humidity.

Registered nurse John Taylor in the emergency department at Southeast Missouri Hospital said a number of heat-related illnesses has been treated in the emergency room this month. "Most of them occurred over the weekend and were related to the sandbagging operations," Taylor explained. "Usually, they involve volunteers who have had too much heat and not enough rest and fluids."

Jay Wolz at St. Francis Medical Center said the center has treated one case of heat exhaustion, that of a route delivery person. "But that's not to say that heat may not be involved in some of the other patients we're treating who have come in with headaches, dizziness and nausea," Wolz said. "But it does seem the people here are more aware of the danger of heat-related illnesses, and are taking precautions to protect themselves."

Jackie Thieke, caseworker for the Salvation Army here, said 75 fans have been distributed during the past three weeks and more were purchased recently. If heat-related assistance is needed, call the Salvation Army at 335-7000.

Thieke said the Salvation Army Center at Good Hope and South Sprigg is open to anyone who would like to cool off. The center is open from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-5 p.m.

The East Missouri Action Agency has distributed 13 fans and 9 air conditioners from the Cape Girardeau office. No more air conditioners are available at this time. Applications are being taken for the summer Energy Crisis Intervention Program, which provides up to $100 toward electric bills for those clients who meet specific income, age, disability, and other guidelines.

Charlotte Craig, director of the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, said a number of people have received heat-related assistance following home visits by the center's nurses or as a result of telephone inquiries.

Craig said some heat cases were referred to other relief agencies while the others were handled by the health center, which purchased fans from its Christmas for the Elderly fund.

The Missouri Department of Health advises citizens to be aware of heat-related illnesses and know how to recognize and treat symptoms. The department said summer heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can be deadly.

Between 1980 and 1992, 517 Missourians died because of excessive exposure to heat, most during the heat wave in 1980. In 1992 five Missourians died of heat-related illnesses.

More than 17 percent of the 1,716 heat-related deaths in 1980 occurred in Missouri.

Although heat-related illnesses can affect anyone, Craig said those most at risk are the very young, the elderly and chronically ill. "Many prescription drugs make you more sensitive to the heat, so you should check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out if your medication falls into this category," she said.

Some of these drugs include antipsychotics, major tranquilizers, antihistamines, over-the-counter sleeping pills, antidepressants, and some antiparkinsonian agents.

"Other risk factors include those who have a history of heatstroke, obesity, hyperthyroidism and exercising in the heat without proper training," Craig said.

Heat stroke and exhaustion are caused by excessive loss of salt and body fluids when the body overheats and normal cooling by perspiration is prevented.

"Heat stroke is a life-threatening illness that impairs the body's ability to maintain normal temperatures," said Craig. "Heat stroke can develop within minutes or hours. Heat Stroke is a true emergency that requires immediate medical treatment to prevent death."

Symptoms of life-threatening heat stroke are: A body temperature of 104 degrees or above; headache, dizziness, irritability; difficulty in breathing; hot, red, dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse initially, then weak and rapid; fainting, delirium or seizures.

If heat stroke occurs seek medical attention at once. Until medical help arrives, keep the victim lying in a cool place, remove clothing and cover with a wet sheet. Use an air conditioner or fan to cool the victim, and give nothing by mouth.

Craig said heat exhaustion is milder than heat stroke and typically occurs after several days of high temperatures. Although heat exhaustion is often severe enough to require hospitalization - especially of the elderly - death is uncommon.

Treatment of heat exhaustion includes drinking fluids such as water or electrolyte-replacement fluids.

Taking salt tablets is not recommended and can be harmful to people with high blood pressure or heat conditions.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include: a normal or slightly elevated body temperature, pale, clammy skin, profuse sweating, tiredness and weakness, nausea, dizziness and fainting.

For heat exhaustion, have the victim lie in a cool area with head and shoulders lowered or legs elevated; loosen clothing; sip a salt solution (1 teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of water); and drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids. Seek medical attention in severe cases of heat exhaustion.