Rising Heat Indexes Put Missourians at Risk for Heat-related Illness and Death

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) urges Missourians to take extra precautions to prevent heat-related illness and death as rising temperatures and humidity push heat indexes up to threatening levels. Much of the state has been placed under excessive heat watches and warnings with heat indexes expected to reach 107 degrees in some areas. These extreme conditions can threaten everyone, especially anyone who spends extended time outdoors or in un-cooled environments.

"Each year we warn Missourians to protect themselves from heat-related illness, especially the very young, senior adults, and anyone with health conditions that put them at risk. But when the heat index rises to such extreme levels, we worry about everyone, especially people who have to spend extended time out in the heat," said Jane Drummond, Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services. “With construction projects booming and sports teams beginning their late summer practices, we really get concerned about people getting too hot.”

Each year many Missourians suffer from heat-related illnesses, and even death. Last year 25 Missourians died due to heat-related causes; one was a child and 14 were individuals aged 65 or older. Between 2000-2006, 160 Missourians died due to heat-related causes.
During prolonged periods of high temperatures, air conditioning is the best preventive measure. While heat-related illnesses have been reported to DHSS this summer, there have been no deaths related to heat reported so far.

Because senior adults often suffer through Missouri summers, Drummond urges people to check on elderly family, friends and neighbors, to make sure they are staying cool, hydrated and healthy. People are encouraged to use the state's toll-free abuse and neglect hotline to report any elderly or adults with disabilities 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.

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. Other conditions that can limit body temperature regulation include 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 following are important reminders regarding preventing 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 and start before you feel thirsty.
Drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids, such as water and juices, before feeling thirsty. Continue drinking fluids throughout the day, especially if working outdoors or elsewhere in the heat.
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 or air-conditioned area.
Spend time in an air-conditioned place; if not at home, then such public places as libraries, supermarkets, shopping malls and movie theaters. Contact your local public health agency for information on local cooling shelters and assistance.
Do not rely on fans as your primary cooling device during a heat wave. With no cool-air source, fans can actually overheat a body, rather than cool it.
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. Take regular cooling and hydrating breaks.
Monitor those at high risk, such as the elderly, infants and children up to four years of age, someone who is overweight or someone on medication.
Ask your physician whether you are at a particular risk because of medication.
Never leave infants, children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment. It takes only a few minutes for a car’s interior to reach 130 degrees or more.

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.

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