The Rolla Downtown Farmer’s Market is open and operating under the new shade structure in the lower parking lot of Rolla City Hall from 7 a.m. until 12-noon each Tuesday throughout the growing season.

The Department of Health has some advice on staying cool, and staying safe. Lori Franklin-Harris, an epidemiologist with the Department of Health, says to keep a close eye on the very old and the very young. The elderly might suffer circulatory problems that make them unaware of how hot they’re getting … children often don’t spot the warning signs either. Both tend to become dehydrated more easily.

She says to stay in air conditioning, and if you don’t have it in your home, visit stores and public places that do during the heat of the day.

When heat indexes are in the triple digits and Harris-Franklin says there are two separate illnesses to watch for in these conditions: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. (Click to see symptoms, etc.) She says those suffering from heat exhaustion need to rest in a cool place, loosen clothing, cool down with wet towels or a cool shower and drink non-alcoholic and caffeine free beverages to rehydrate. If you suspect heat stroke, call an ambulance.

Heat stroke is when the sweating stops, skin turns red and is hot to the touch and the heart rate becomes rapid. Often the headaches will intensify and vomiting and unconciousness can follow.

The department reports 11 Missourians died from heat-related causes last year, and there have been nine deaths already this year. Seven of those deaths occurred in the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas, but two of them were children who were accidentally locked in an unattended car in Southern Missouri.

Harris-Franklin says while the very young, the elderly and the chronically ill are at greatest risk of heat-related illness, summer temperatures can take a toll on healthy young and middle-aged adults, too, she says.

Of the 11 Missourians who died from heat-related causes last year, eight were 25 to 64 years of age. Only three were age 65 or older. The elderly and the chronically ill perspire less and are more likely to be taking medication that can impair the body’s response to heat or that make them more sensitive to the heat.

Those medications include antihistamines, over-the-counter sleeping pills, antidepressants, heart drugs, antipsychotics, major tranquilizers and some medications for Parkinson’s disease. People should check with their doctor or pharmacist to find out if their medications make them more sensitive to summer’s high temperatures.

Seniors citizens on fixed incomes often do not have air conditioning or feel they cannot afford the extra expense of running it. Since many seniors live alone, Missourians should check on elderly family members and neighbors regularly to be sure they are not suffering from the effects of the heat.

Missourians can call the state’s toll-free abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-392-0210 to report senior citizens or adults with disabilities suffering from the heat and needing assistance. The hotline operates 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

Young children are also sensitive to heat and must rely on adults to regulate their environments to prevent heat-related illness. Infants and children should not be left unattended in hot environments, especially in cars, even with the air conditioner running. A car’s interior can reach oven-like temperatures in minutes, putting anyone inside at risk of overheating. Children also should not be allowed to play in or around cars. Small children can become trapped because they are not big enough to open the door or roll down the window to get out. They also can fall asleep inside a hot vehicle or play or hide in the trunk of a car. Children also can become dehydrated very quickly. Small children often do not drink as much liquid as they should and can become dehydrated. Adults need to encourage children to drink plenty of fluids every day.