Another important consideration is age. As we get older, our ability to sense heat diminishes; we become less able to recognize extreme heat, and, therefore, less likely to notice the signs and take the recommended precautions.

During periods of extreme heat, the Saint Louis County Health Department strongly urges caution and common sense. Whenever temperatures rise above 95 degrees, the Health Department recommends the following:

• Turn on the air conditioning to cool the air! This may seem obvious, but people often try to save money by using fans instead of air conditioning. However, fans only move the air around – they do not cool it. When temperatures rise above 95 degrees, fans can actually heat a room by circulating the hot air.
• Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages, especially those without sugar or caffeine. (Good, old ice water is always the best!)
• Spend as little time as possible in the sun.
• Keep your activity level to a minimum.
• Take regular breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned room.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Eat light, easily-digested foods, avoiding hot, heavy, or greasy meals.
• Do not leave food unrefrigerated – food spoils rapidly in the heat, and the hotter it becomes, the faster it will spoil.
• Take care of those who might not be aware of the danger or able to react accordingly – especially young children and the elderly. Check on your neighbors and relatives – especially if they are vulnerable or do not have air conditioning. Again, remember that older people cannot always sense the heat as well as younger people, and, therefore, may not be as aware of the danger.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion. If someone becomes dizzy, nauseated, or sweats heavily, find a cooler location for him or her immediately.
• Know the signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. The symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, but also include hot, flushed skin, and normally sweating stops. If heat stroke is a possibility, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is life threatening!