List: Cooling centers, heat safety tips for the St. Louis area
Here's how you can stay cool and safe during this summer's heat. Excessive heat is one of the leading weather-related causes of death in the U.S. Last summer, over 2,300 Americans reported the highest number of heat-related deaths in 45 years. The National Weather Service estimates that climate change will continue to increase the severity and frequency of extreme weather conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the body cools itself off by sweating during extreme heat, but this may not be enough. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion, occur when a person's body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down and can cause damage to the brain and other important organs. Older adults, children, and those with mental illness and chronic diseases are at the highest risk for heat illness. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has compiled a map of cooling centers around the state and in the Metro East.
gepubliceerd : 11 maanden geleden door Jennifer Somers in Health
Here's how you can stay cool and safe during this summer's heat.
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ST. LOUIS — Excessive heat is one of the leading weather-related causes of death in the U.S., according to the National Weather Service.
Last summer alone, the death certificates of more than 2,300 Americans mentioned the effects of excessive heat, the highest number of heat-related deaths in 45 years. Studies suggest that climate change will continue to increase the severity and frequency of extreme weather conditions.
As temperatures begin to rise this summer, here are some things you can do to stay safe.
Protect yourself from the heat
Being outdoors in the summer heat can expose you to the sun's harmful rays. To help avoid this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you:
The body normally cools itself off by sweating, but during extreme heat, perspiration might not be enough. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion, happen when a person's body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down and can cause damage to the brain and other important organs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Older adults, children and those with mental illness and chronic diseases are at the highest risk for heat-related illness, according to the CDC, but even healthy young, healthy people can be affected if they participate in strenuous physical activity during hot weather.
If you or anyone you know experiences these symptoms, get out of the sun immediately and try to cool off.
If more severe symptoms, such as lack of sweating, body temperature rising to 106°F or higher within 10-15 minutes or lack of consciousness occur, seek medical attention immediately.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has compiled a map of cooling centers around the state and in the Metro East. Click here or use the map below to find a cooling center near you.