As of last Sunday, summer is officially upon us. And for residents in the Stoddard County area, that means lots of humidity in addition to the rising temperatures.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory on Monday, and forecasters are calling for highs over much of the state well into the 90s for most of this week, along with very high humidity.
While many area residents are familiar with this kind of weather, as summer continues to progress, there are certain precautions all are urged to observe.
Amy Hector, the public health program director with the Stoddard County Health center advised that it is crucial to pay close attention to your body.
"If you're in the heat, and you start to show any signs of heat exhaustion, you need to get inside to air conditioning immediately," Hector remarked. "There isn't any exact progression of symptoms of heat exhaustion. It can be different for different people."
Hector noted that the symptoms vary from light-headedness to feelings of nausea or cramps.
"For some men who may do physical labor, they might associate muscle cramps with the work they've done," Hector explained. "But they could have muscle soreness because of losing fluids and dehydration."
One sure sign, according to Hector, is red, dry skin.
"Sweating is your body's natural cooling system," Hector said. "When you stop sweating, that's when you know you need to get into a cooler area."
Hector went on to explain that the human body temperature can raise to 106 degrees within 10-15 minutes.
"It's important to drink lots of water," Hector remarked. "Everyone needs to stay hydrated."
Hector also explained that the very young and the elderly are at a higher risk of heat exhaustion -- as are some mentally ill individuals.
"There are actually some medicines that mess with someone's ability to regulate their body temperature," Hector said. "And what's bad is that some people on these different types of medicines may not be aware that they're overheating."
In the past, the cities in Stoddard County have been good about opening public places as "cooling centers," however, that is usually after a heat advisory has been issued. The heat advisory issued on Monday did not include Stoddard County, even though high temperatures are forecast for the area.
"When it gets over 90 degrees, and we have consecutive days like that, that's when we get concerned," Hector said. "Fortunately, in the 12 years I've been here, we haven't had a heat casualty reported to us."
Hector advised that children and pets shouldn't be left in hot cars, but that everyone must be sure to lock their vehicles when the car is parked and empty.
"You don't want a child getting into your vehicle while they're playing, and getting overheated," Hector advised. "There has already been one casualty like that this year."
Hector said she realizes not everyone has air conditioning; but said there are other steps that can be taken.
"Wear lighter clothing, take cool baths or cool showers," Hector said. "Anything that can help bring your temperature down."
She also advised checking on any neighbors you might have -- particularly the elderly -- who either may not have, or may not use, air conditioning.
"It's just a responsible thing we all can do to help our community," Hector explained. "We can help each other that way, and look out for each other."
* An extremely high body
temperature
* Red, hot, and dry skin
(no sweating)
* Rapid, strong pulse
* Throbbing headache
* Dizziness
* Nausea
* Confusion
* Unconsciousness
* Drink cool,
nonalcoholic beverages
* Rest
* Take a cool shower,
bath, or sponge bath
* Seek an air-conditioned
environment
* Wear lightweight clothing