The Phelps County Health Department issued a heat advisory on Monday that continues through 7 p.m. today.
With an anticipated heat index from 108-to-110-degrees, the most at-risk citizens include the elderly and children under five years of age, said Jodi Waltman, director of the Health Department.
“I would encourage people to seek air conditioning in the Library, stores or a relative’s, friend’s or neighbor’s home,” Waltman said.  “All of us should try and check on our neighbors to make sure they are not suffering from any heat-related illnesses.”
Tips to protect against heat-related illnesses include drinking plenty of fluids, replace salt and minerals, rest, take a cool shower, seek an air-conditioned environment, wear lightweight clothing, remain indoors and do not engage in strenuous activities, advised Waltman.
The National Weather Service in Springfield also issued an advisory that forecasted hot and humid weather through today across much of the region, with afternoon temperatures climbing well into the 90s.  A few locations over extreme southeast Kansas and western Missouri could reach as high as 100 degrees.
The Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for all of the Missouri Ozarks and southeast Kansas through Tuesday.
Most of the heat-related illnesses suffered by residents in Phelps County last year were young people, Waltman said.
No cooling centers are planned for this heat advisory, Waltman said, because no one utilized the three centers that were opened for the last heat advisory.
“If people express interest, we would be glad to open a cooling center,” Waltman said.
Waltman also advised pet owners to bring their pets indoors throughout the heat advisory.  If pets can not be brought indoors, make sure they have extra water and a shady area in which to rest, she said.
The Health Department issued a list of potential health risks associated with extreme heat, which can result in one or more of the following conditions:
• Heat Rash: Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating in hot, humid weather.  It can occur at any age but is most common in young children.  Treating heat rash is simple and does not require medical assistance.
• Heat Cramps: Heat cramps usually affects people who sweat heavily while engaged in strenuous activity.  Sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture.  The low salt level in the muscles may be the cause of heat cramps.
• Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-releated illness that develops after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.  Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
• Heat Stroke: Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature.  The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down.  Body temperature may rise to 106-degrees or higher withwin 10-to-15 minutes.  Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
• Heat-Related Death: Most heat-related deaths occur when high temperatures overcome the body’s natural ability to cope with heat.  The elderly, very young children and persons with chronic medical conditions (especially cardiovascular disease) are at highest risk.