[Press Release] : Weekend temperatures remind us of heat dangers; local cooling centers and programs available for community

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Chris Coffman, Public Health Nurse Supervisor - (573)
874-7453, jccoffma at GoColumbiaMo.com 

Weekend temperatures remind us of heat dangers;
Local cooling centers and programs available for community 

COLUMBIA, MO (June 25, 2007) - As the temperatures reached 90 degrees
this weekend, it’s a reminder that each year many Missourians suffer
from heat-related illnesses. Last year heat advisories were issued for
several parts of Missouri, including Boone County. 

Summer heat can take its toll on a person's health, especially the very
young, the elderly and the chronically ill, because they are more
vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. These individuals
perspire less and are more likely to take medications that can impair
the body's response to heat and make them more sensitive. Some of these
medications include antipsychotic, major tranquilizers, antihistamines,
over-the-counter sleeping pills, antidepressants, and cardiac drugs. 

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. 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. Boone County citizens
are urged to check on elderly family members 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 cooling centers are accessible
by the Columbia Transit System and are available for use only during the
time periods in which a heat advisory has been issued for the area. 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
ARC, 1707 W. Ash St., Red Bus Line 
Armory Sports and Community Center, 701 E. Ash, Blue Bus Line 
Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway, Red Bus Line 
Columbia Mall, 2300 Bernadette Dr., Green and Blue Bus Lines 
Columbia/Boone County Health Dept., 1005 W. Worley, Green Bus Line 
Columbia Parks and Recreation Office, 601 Business Loop 70, Blue Bus
Line 
Oakland Senior Center, 1301 Vandiver Dr. Ste. Q, Orange Bus Line 
Paquin Towers, 1201 Paquin Street, Red Bus Line 

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. 

- 30 -
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Archived press releases can be viewed online at: 
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/

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