State Health Department Announces Hot Weather Advisory

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services issued a statewide Hot Weather Health Advisory on Tuesday August 3, 2004 due to the high temperatures and humidity across the state. The advisory reminds Missourians of the dangers posed by the high heat and humidity and urges them to take extra precautions to prevent heat-related illness and death.
To date in 2004, there have been 2 reported heat-related deaths in Missouri, and 65 heat-related illnesses have been reported. In 2003, 17 Missourians died due to heat-related causes.
The elderly and the chronically ill are more vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. They perspire less and are more likely to have health problems requiring medications that impair the body's response to heat. Infants and children up to 4 years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids. Infants and children should never be left unattended in a parked car or other hot environment. Also at risk are unacclimated adults of any age who work or exercise vigorously outdoors and fail to rest frequently in a cool environment or drink enough fluids. Other risk factors include a history of heat stroke, obesity, infection or fever, diarrhea or dehydration, poor circulation, diabetes, sunburn and drug and alcohol abuse.

To Prevent Heat-Related Illness:

• Be aware of the warning signs of heat-related illness, such as light-headedness, mild nausea or confusion, sleepiness or profuse sweating.
• Increase your fluid intake; drink more liquid than your thirst indicates.
• Drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids, such as water and juices, before feeling thirsty. Continue drinking fluids throughout the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• When unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Rest frequently in a shady area.
• Spend time in an air-conditioned place; if not at home, then such public places as libraries, supermarkets, shopping malls and movie theaters.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully, preferably before noon or in the evening.
• Exercise early in the morning or late in the evening, even if you're used to the heat.
• When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you.
• Monitor those at high risk, such as the elderly, infants and children up to 4 years of age, someone who is overweight or someone on medication.
• Do not leave infants, children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.

More information on heat-related illness is available through the Department of Health and Senior Services home page at http://www.dhss.mo.gov/ColdAndHeat/CandH.html , or at the Mississippi County Health Department.