Beat the Heat: O’Fallon Doctor Shares Tips

An excessive heat warning for the St. Louis area remains in effect until 7 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasts for O’Fallon call for temperatures in the 100s the rest of the week.

According to the St. Louis National Weather Service’s website, these high levels of humidity and heat are dangerous, especially to the young, elderly and those with health conditions.

Dr. David Fouts, an emergency room doctor at O’Fallon’s , talked heat safety with O’Fallon Patch this week.

"It’s OK to be out in heat, you just have to take the right precautions," he said, offering some tips for staying cool and safe during the dog days of summer. 

• Stay well hydrated with noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic fluid. “Especially avoid the caffeine and alcohol, which make you more dehydrated,” Fouts said.
• Stay out of direct sunlight. “If have to be outside, stay in shade,” he added. “Wear hats and UV protective clothing or light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sun.”
• Use common sense. Stay inside if you are able to.

Fouts said in the past two weeks, he’s seen a 10-20 percent increase in heat-related illnesses and injuries treated at Progress West HealthCare Center.

Some early signs of a heat related illness include feeling weak, dizzy, light headed and nauseous, according to Fouts.

More serious symptoms include confusion, lack of perspiration, sometimes symptoms like garbled speech and clumsiness, he said.

If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, the doctor suggests first moving to a cool environment, drinking cool fluids and placing a cold towel on the back of your neck to cool your body off.

Fouts added it may be time to see a doctor if you experience dizziness, weakness or heart racing.

During this excessive heat advisory, senior centers in St. Charles County have opened their doors to the public to serve as cooling centers. The following sites offer air-conditioning and cool water from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday:

• O'Fallon Senior Center, 106 North Main St., 636-272-4180
• , 1455 Fairgrounds Rd., 636-949-0658 (near Bass Pro Shop)
• St. Peters Senior Center, 108 McMenamy Rd., 636-278-2410
• , 506 South Linn St., 636-327-8720