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Missourians Urged to Protect Themselves from the Heat this Summer
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The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) advised Missourians today to take extra precautions this summer to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths. Summer heat can take its toll on a person's health, especially the very young, the elderly and the chronically ill.
Each year many Missourians suffer from heat-related illnesses, and even death. Last year 25 Missourians died due to heat-related causes; 12 of these persons were age 65 or older. Between 1995-2005, 312 Missourians died due to heat-related causes. During prolonged periods of high temperatures, air conditioning is the best preventive measure.
"Missourians need to be aware that exposure to high temperatures and humidity can cause heat-related illness and even death," said Julie Eckstein, Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services.
The elderly and the chronically ill are more vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. They perspire less and are more likely to have health problems requiring medications that can impair the body's response to heat. Many prescription medications make individuals more sensitive to the heat. "People should check with their doctor or pharmacist to find out if their medications fall into this category," Eckstein said.
"This summer we urge all Missourians to check on elderly family members and neighbors regularly to be sure they are not suffering from the effects of high temperatures," Eckstein said. "Do not leave infants and children unattended in hot environments."
The most efficient way to beat the heat is to spend time in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have air conditioning in your home, consider spending some time in a shopping mall, public library or other
air-conditioned location. 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. As the air temperature rises, airflow is increasingly ineffective in cooling the body until finally, at
temperatures above about 100° F (the exact number varies with the humidity) increasing air movement actually increases heat stress.
More specifically, when the temperature of the air rises to about 100° F, the fan may be delivering overheated air to the skin at a rate that exceeds the capacity of the body to get rid of this heat, even with sweating, and the net effect is to add heat rather than to cool the body. DHSS monitors the incidence of heat-related illness and death, especially during heat waves. The department also actively monitors heat indexes across the state on a daily basis during the summer and works closely with the National Weather Service to keep apprised of the heat forecast. DHSS will observe heat advisories and warnings put out by the National Weather Service, rather than releasing its own advisories. This will reduce possible confusion about advisories coming from different agencies and provide more coordinated health protective information.
Additional information on preventing heat-related illness is available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' web site at
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By Carma Wheeler, RN
Director of Nurses
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-viral diseases spread by infected mosquitoes.
-examples of such viruses include West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalomyelitis (ELE), St Louis encephalitis (SLE), La Crosse encephalitis, and western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE).
-West Nile virus and EEE are discussed in greater detail because they get the most media attention; however in children most of these infections produce no signs or symptoms or mild headache and fever.
While 80% of those infected with West Nile virus show no signs or symptoms, in 2003, nearly three fourths of the more than 4,000 cases of West Nile disease reported in the United States had disease of the nervous system. In outbreaks more severe illness may occur, especially among adults.
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What are the signs or symptoms?
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Fever
Headache
Body aches
Nausea
Vomiting
Rash
Convulsions
Coma
Paralysis
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What are the incubation and contagious periods?
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West Nile-5 to 15 days
EEE-3 to 10 days
SLE-4 to 14 days
La Crosse Encephalitis-5 to 15 days
WEE-2 to 10 days
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Contagious Period: These infections are not contagious!
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Through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile disease may be spread by blood transfusions also.
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By avoiding mosquito bites.
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by Michelle Knight, Nutritionist
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Nearly every child is a picky eater at one time or another, especially between the ages of two and six. Sometimes emotional issues get played out at meal times, too. A child may be trying to say, "I need more independence" or "I'm not getting enough attention."
Since no one can force a child to eat, why not relax and remember the basic rules of a good feeding relationship.
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Adults are responsible for...
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What is presented to eat and the manner in which it is presented.
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Children are responsible for...
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How much and even whether they eat.
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Here are some suggestions for easing the tension surrounding food:
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Consider whether the child is really a picky eater or just a light eater. Don't compare amount eaten by a 3-year old with amounts eaten by a child who is only 1- 1/2 years old.
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Focus less on what a child eats at a particular meal or snack, and look at foods eaten over several days. Research shows that if a child eats less at one meal, he will balance his intake by eating more later on in the day.
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Recognize that appetite varies from meal to meal, and day to day. Prior to growth spurts, appetite increases; prior to the onset of an illness, appetite may decrease.
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Don't push a child to take "just one more bite" in order to please you. Children naturally learn to respect their own feelings of hunger, unless you confuse them.
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Remember that a young child may have strong feelings about certain textures, flavors, consistencies and even colors. This child will take longer to accept new foods.
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Children's tastes change over time, so reintroduce foods every few weeks.
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Don't use food as a reward, punishment or pacifier.
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Don't place special significance on dessert. If served, it should be part of the meal and offered to all children, without expecting them to earn it by cleaning their plates.
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Don't make a big deal about a child's picky eating. This means no begging, bribery, threats or short-order cooking. (Calmly explain that this is the meal that is being served, and the next time the child will be able to eat is at snack time.)
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Serve small portions so that the child is not overwhelmed by the quantity of food on the plate.
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Remember that when a child rejects your food, he is not rejecting you.
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Making mealtime a battleground can greatly affect a child's relationship with food. Why not make peace with your picky eater? A more relaxed attitude will help shape healthy eating habits for a lifetime.
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Summer Fruits and Vegetables
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Now that summer is here so are the fruits and vegetables! Its a great time to get your recommended daily allowance of both. If you dont have a garden, check out the farmers market in your community and you will always find a variety at the local supermarkets. Do something healthy for yourself today and everyday!
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