For Immediate Release:
June 15, 2006

Contact:
Nanci Gonder, Chief
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

Missourians Urged to Protect Themselves from the Heat This Summer

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) advised Missourians today to take extra precautions this summer to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths. Summer heat can take its toll on a person's health, especially the very young, the elderly and the chronically ill. The reminder was issued in preparation for Missouri Summer Weather Safety Week (June 19 – 23 ).

Each year many Missourians suffer from heat-related illnesses, and even death. Last year 25 Missourians died due to heat-related causes ; 12 of these persons were age 65 or older. Between 1995-2005, 312 Missourians died due to heat-related causes. During prolonged periods of high temperatures, air conditioning is the best preventive measure.

"Missourians need to be aware that exposure to high temperatures and humidity can cause heat-related illness and even death," said Julie Eckstein, Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services.

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 can impair the body's response to heat. Many prescription medications make individuals more sensitive to the heat.

“People should check with their doctor or pharmacist to find out if their medications fall into this category,” Eckstein said. Some of these medications include antipsychotics, major tranquilizers, antihistamines, over-the-counter sleeping pills, antidepressants, heart drugs and some antiparkinsonian agents.

"This summer we urge all Missourians to check on elderly family members and neighbors regularly to be sure they are not suffering from the effects of high temperatures," Eckstein said. "Do not leave infants and children unattended in hot environments."

Heat-related illness occurs when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. 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.

The most efficient way to beat the heat is to spend time in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have air conditioning in your home, consider spending some time in a shopping mall, public library or other air-conditioned location. Electric fans may be useful to increase comfort or 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. As the air temperature rises, airflow is increasingly ineffective in cooling the body until finally, at temperatures above about 100° F (the exact number varies with the humidity) increasing air movement actually increases heat stress. More specifically, when the temperature of the air rises to about 100° F, the fan may be delivering overheated air to the skin at a rate that exceeds the capacity of the body to get rid of this heat, even with sweating, and the net effect is to add heat rather than to cool the body.

Eckstein urges Missourians to use the state's toll-free abuse and neglect hotline to report any elderly or disabled persons suffering from the heat and needing assistance. That phone number is 1-800-392-0210. When the number is called, a hotline worker will gather information from the caller to help determine if there is an immediate risk because of the heat. The hotline worker may offer suggestions, when appropriate, on getting out of the problem area and going to other locations that would provide an air-conditioned environment, even if temporarily. When these alternatives are not possible, a report will be taken and a Senior Services Social Worker within the area will respond. There are resource agencies or programs in most areas of Missouri where fans or air conditioners are loaned to at-risk persons to help with heat problems. The worker will evaluate what options are possible and resources are available, and work toward helping resolve the problem.

DHSS monitors the incidence of heat-related illness and death, especially during heat waves. The department also actively monitors heat indexes across the state on a daily basis during the summer and works closely with the National Weather Service to keep apprised of the heat forecast. DHSS will observe heat advisories and warnings put out by the National Weather Service, rather than releasing its own advisories. This will reduce possible confusion about advisories coming from different agencies and provide more coordinated health protective information.

Additional information on preventing heat-related illness is available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' web site at www.dhss.mo.gov.