[Press Release] : Health Department urges caution during high temperatures

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Deidre Wood, Public Information Officer - (573) 874-7632,
dfwood at GoColumbiaMo.com 

Health Department urges caution during high temperatures - a reminder
that local cooling centers and programs available for community
COLUMBIA, MO (August 7, 2007) - The Columbia/Boone County Health
Department is strongly urging caution and common sense during the heat
wave that has arrived in the area. 

It is important to remember that the heat can especially affect the
very young, the elderly and the chronically ill because they are more
vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. 

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. Very high body temperatures may damage
vital organs and spur heat-related illness including heat cramps, heat
exhaustion and heat strokes.

There are things you can do to prevent heat related illnesses
including:
● Dress for the heat and use a hat or umbrella to block the sun.
● Drink water and avoid alcohol beverages and caffeine.
● Eat small meals and eat more often.
● Stay indoors with air-conditioning when possible.
● Take regular breaks when physically active. 

The most efficient way to beat the heat is to spend time in an
air-conditioned area. Boone County citizens are urged to check on
elderly family or neighbors regularly. It is also important never to
leave children unattended in hot environments without air-conditioning,
including unsupervised vehicles, and to watch for signs and symptoms of
dehydration.

The Columbia/Boone County Health Department is offering residents who
do not have access to air-conditioning to visit one of the cooling
centers located in Columbia as a place to have access to
air-conditioning and drinking water. The following locations are open to
the public during their regular business hours and should not be used if
you are in need of medical treatment. 

Columbia Cooling Centers 
LOCATION, ADDRESS, BUS LINE
ARC: 1707 W. Ash St., Red
Armory Sports and Community Center: 701 E. Ash, Blue
Columbia Public Library: 100 W. Broadway, Red
Columbia Mall: 2300 Bernadette Dr., Green and Blue
Columbia/Boone County Health Dept.: 1005 W. Worley, Green
Columbia Parks and Recreation Office: 601 Business Loop 70, Blue
Oakland Senior Center: 1301 Vandiver Dr. Ste. Q, Orange
Paquin Towers: 1201 Paquin St., Red

Additionally, the Health Department offers two utility assistance
programs for qualified Boone County Residents. H.E.L.P. (Heat Energy and
Light Program) provides one-time emergency assistance to low income
families with young children in the home. C.A.S.H. (Citizens Assisting
Seniors and Handicapped) also provides emergency assistance to
low-income senior citizens and persons with disabilities. 

For more information on cooling centers or our utility assistance
programs, please visit the city of Columbia Web site at
www.GoColumbiaMo.com.

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