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Local health officials are considering heat exposure as a contributing factor in at least two recent deaths in Kansas City as the temperature soared in recent weeks.

Although the deaths both occurred south of the river, health officials in the Northland are reminding residents how to stay cool when extreme heat hits to ensure no more deaths occur.

According to Dr. Ximena Somoza, with the Clay County Public Health Center, for most, it’s as simple as drinking lots of water and staying in the shade when outside. Somoza said outside activities may need to be done at different times of the day than some are accustomed to on days that heat warnings are issued by the National Weather Service.

“People need to reorganize their daily activities,” she said.

That means exercising outside should take place before 10 a.m., Somoza said. She warned 30 minutes of exercise after 10 a.m. could lead to heat stroke or severe dehydration.

Holding off an outdoor activity until sundown also is not a good idea, she said.

“Don’t assume just because the sun is going down that it means the heat index is going down,” she said.

Kansas City Health Department officials are encouraging people to avoid caffeine and alcohol, wear loose-fitting clothing and spend at least

two hours a day in an air-conditioned area.

Somoza suggested people without air conditioning at home to spend the day at a public building.

“Go to a public library, go to a close by mall and stay there and sit there,” she said. “I know it may be boring but go to a supermarket.”

Somoza warned against trying to stay cool with just a fan because it simply pushes around hot air and can make a bad situation worse.

Early warning signs of heat stroke or dehydration are usually light-headedness and headache, Somoza said. Confusion and disorientation can also set in. If you stop producing sweat, which helps regulate body temperature, help needs to be sought immediately, Somoza said.

“When you’re exposed to heat, you’re dehydrated and your core body temperature goes up, and your cells don’t function properly,” she said.

The health department listed those with chronic medical conditions, the elderly, the economically disadvantaged and infants among those with the highest risk of heat-related illness or death.

Somoza said it was especially important to check on elderly neighbors during times of extreme heat and keep infants well hydrated.

“If a baby is crying with no tears it means the baby is dehydrated,” she said.

For more information, visit the city’s health department Web site at www.kcmo.org/health.

WHO'S AT RISK?

The six categories of people at highest risk during times of extreme heat are:

- those with chronic medical conditions or disabilities

- the elderly

- the economically disadvantaged

- those taking medications

- toddlers left in cars

- infants

SOURCE: Kansas City Health Department

HEAT SAFETY

When a heat warning is issued by the National Weather Service follow these measures to stay

safe:

- Stay hydrated

- Avoid dehydrating liquids that contain caffeine or alcohol

- Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned area

- Avoid extreme temperature changes that can shock your body

- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing

- Exercise before 10 a.m.

SOURCE: Kansas City Health Department

News Editor Jeffrey M. Salem can be reached at 389-6653 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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