Heat stroke watch for children and the elderly

The number of deaths from the heat in Missouri is now up to 26. The medical examiner has listed a 64 year old St. Charles county man as the latest confirmed heat related victim. The man died in his mobile home after having his air conditioner removed because he thought it was too expensive. He reportedly has refused a relative’s offer to move to a cooler place. Craig Eichelman with A-A-R-P Missouri says sometimes older people remember that when they were children they didn’t have air conditioning, and they think they can tough it out now….

That’s why we are urging Missourians to check on elders and help them find ways to stay cool, especially if they live alone. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, slurred speech, nausea and racing heart rate. Eichelman reminds Missourians that heat stroke is something that can be prevented.

Doctors say if you think someone is suffering from heat stroke. Call 911 immediately. In the meantime if they are conscious, get them to drink water. Sponge their clothes and their body with cool water and you can apply ice packs to their armpits and head.

This public service message is from the Missouri News Service of Jefferson City and FM 92 the Bullet