Quantcast
  • Current Conditions 
    Current Conditions in Springfield:
    21° WIND CHILL: 7°
    WIND HUMIDITY
    16 WNW 63%
    3 Day
    Forecast

    Tue
    23°

    Wed
    26°

    Thu
    30°
  • Interior Box IAB 180x150 
  • Keep Free TV 

  • 24 Hours a Day 

  • Commerce Widget 
    Autos
    Classifieds
    Real Estate
    Rewards
  • Keeping Cool While the Sun Sizzles 
    Reported by: Jennifer Denman

    Monday, Aug 4, 2008 @06:34pm CDT

     There are a few things you'll want to know to keep cool and safe while the sun sizzles.  

    The Greene County Health Department recommends staying out of this heat and hydrated, but there were still a lot of people out on Monday sweating in the sun.
     
    "Horrible.  I feel like an idiot in action.  Actually, my lawn is out of control and my rider broke, so I have to push mow it," says Daniel Hawkins, a Springfield resident.

    The sizzling sun and sweltering temperatures didn't stop Hawkins from getting his yard work done in triple digit temperatures, but he has to admit it wasn't the smartest move.

    "Little dehydrated.  Little hot.  Very sweaty," says Hawkins.

     If you choose to brave the heat like Hawkins, Karen McKinnis with the Greene County Health Department says wear loose fitting clothing and avoid the hottest parts of the day.  

    These temperatures can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening situation.  McKinnis says, so far this summer, 11 people were treated for heat related illnesses and one person was hospitalized.

    "Heat stroke is when the body can't regulate its temperature properly and sometimes that would result in dizziness and confusion. You will also have a headache; red, hot, dry skin," says McKinnis.

    The Greene County Health Department says a place to avoid is playgrounds because the equipment can really heat up.  KOLR/KSFX tested a slide with A thermometer and it registered 123 degrees.

     "Kids typically play so hard and get so excited.  It's good, but they get carried away.  So, it's probably best to limit their outdoor activity and time and make sure they are hydrated well," says McKinnis.

    McKinnis also says people should also watch out for certain prescriptions and antibiotics that can react to the heat.  If you're like the kids, just find the coolest place you can and relax.

    Both YMCA's in Springfield are offering free admission on Monday and Tuesday.  The Campbell 16 movie theater is only charging people for a child's ticket for all movies before 4:00 p.m. through Tuesday.  The Mansfield Community Center is also open as a makeshift cooling station.
    Comment on this news story
  • The OzarksFirst Community 
        
    Today's Poll

    Valentine's Day Plans

    What are your Valentine's Day plans?
     Romantic Dinner
     Fantastic Gift
     Sweet Letter
     Flowers
     I Don't Celebrate Valentine's Day
     Other

     

    View Results
    View Other Polls
  • Advertisement