Cool Advice as Severe Heat Subsides -- For Now

With a break expected in the severely hot weather tomorrow, it appears the Fenton and High Ridge areas have weathered the worst of this week's heat wave -- at least for now.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for high temperatures to drop into the high 70s for the next few days, a welcome respite from the high-90s that characterized much of the week.

, 1015 Bowles Ave., Fenton, reports only a few cases of heat exhaustion at its emergency room, two on Monday and three on Wednesday.

Since summer hasn't officially even begiun yet, now is not the time to forget about common sense practices during extreme heat spells.

Dr. Timothy Pratt, chief medical officer at SSM St. Clare says  people just need to be aware of the effects of heat.

“When the National Weather Service issues heat advisories or heat warnings, pay attention – it’s just too hot for sustained outdoor activity under these conditions, especially for the elderly, young children, and people who are overweight or have a chronic illness," Pratt said. "If you have to be outside, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, stay in the shade as much as possible, avoid exertion and notice the warning signs of  hyperthermia.”

Hyperthermia occurs when the body’s core temperature rises and internal cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, are not enough to cool the body adequately.

“There are different degrees of heat-related illness,” Pratt said.. “Many people first notice abdominal or muscle cramps. This is often a warning sign that you must cool off and hydrate yourself to avoid developing heat exhaustion, which is marked by heavy perspiration, weakness, dizziness, rapid breathing and an increased heart rate. If not treated quickly, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition.”

Dr. James Donnell, medical director of the SSM St. Clare Emergency Department, recommends keeping up with fluid intake during the hot weather. 

“It has a cumulative effect,” Donnell said.  “You may feel fine being outside the first day or two when it’s really hot, then wonder why you’re nauseous or dizzy on the next cooler day.”

Both physicians recommend drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages, rest (preferably in an air conditioned environment) and take a cool shower or bath to treat heat cramps or heat exhaustion. Salty snacks can help replace depleted minerals. Don’t engage in strenuous activity for several hours, and if the cramps or other symptoms continue for more than an hour, seek medical attention.

In Jefferson County a cooling shelter has been set up during the day where people can get away from the heat for a few hours at least. The cooling facility is at the , 2800 Community Lane. The hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cindy Hayes, a branch manager of the Jefferson County Library, says residents come to the library to beat the heat. The and the Arnold Branch are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon.- Thurs., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri., and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. In addition to the vast amount of reading material to read, the linbraries also have cafes where cool drinks and snacks can be purchased.