[Press Release] : Health Department urges caution during hot temperatures; local cooling centers and programs are available

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Deidre Wood, Public Information Officer - (573) 874-7453,
dfwood at GoColumbiaMo.com 

Health Department urges caution during hot temperatures; local cooling
centers and programs are available

COLUMBIA, MO (July 9, 2008) - The Columbia/Boone County Health
Department urges caution and common sense during hot weather. 

It is important to remember that heat can especially affect 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 , making them more sensitive. Some of these
medications include anti-psychotic, 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.

To prevent heat-related illnesses:
● 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 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 invites residents who do
not have access to air-conditioning to visit one of the cooling centers
located in Columbia for air-conditioning and drinking water. The
following locations are open to the public during regular business hours
but should not be used if you need medical treatment. 

Columbia Cooling Centers 
ARC, 1707 W. Ash Street
Armory Sports and Community Center, 701 E. Ash 
Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway
Columbia Mall, 2300 Bernadette Dr.
Columbia/Boone County Health Department, 1005 W. Worley
Oakland Senior Center, 805 Old Hwy 63 North
Paquin Towers, 1201 Paquin Street

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 utility assistance programs,
please visit  www.GoColumbiaMo.com. 

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