Stay cool as Iowa's summer heats up with these tips from local public health officials

Mary Greeley Medical Center's emergency department has treated about a dozen patients for heat-related illnesses since June 1, according to director Staci Olson.

"Many of those (were seen) towards the end of June," Olson said. "It is fairly common to see heat-related illnesses during the summer months when it is extremely hot and humid."

The Ames Tribune spoke with local health officials to help provide the best safety tips as the summer hits its stride.

How to stay cool in the heat

The Centers for Disease Control recommends wearing lightweight clothing, staying hydrated, avoiding hot and heavy meals and carefully scheduling outdoor activities to stay cool.

Here's some advice from local nurses and energy service experts when it comes to keeping cool during summer months:

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Keeping homes cool without central AC

City of Ames officials said Ames Electric Services’ power demand peaks in the summer, while the typical cooling season is from June through September.

Window air conditioning units are a good option for homes or apartments without central air conditioning, Ames Energy Services Coordinator Joel Zook said. Renters and homeowners should look for an Energy Star® rated unit to ensure they're getting as efficient a unit as possible.

Window heat pumps are new to the scene, he said, and can be especially useful if the home has an electric baseboard or other resistance heaters.

Homes can stay cooler by limiting the use of items that generate heat, as well.

"Cooking can add a lot of heat to a home, so hot summer days are a great time for unheated meals like sandwiches or salads - or to grill outdoors," Zook said. "Saving energy by turning off lights when you're not in the room is doubly important in the summer - leaving lights on adds to the heat indoors."

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Use air-conditioned public spaces to cool off

Neither the city of Ames nor Story County has an official cooling center though Ames has occasionally opened the Community Center Gym in the city hall.

The city and the county direct overheated residents to seek refuge at the Ames Public Library, North Grand Mall, shopping areas, movie theaters and other air-conditioned facilities.

Those in need of “immediate assistance” for heat exhaustion should visit a healthcare professional. Excessive heat can create serious health concerns for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and the very young.

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The summer 'don'ts'

Treasa Ferrari, a nurse registered nurse with Story County Public Health , said people should not rely on electric fans when the temperature is high.

"Electric fans can provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illnesses," Ferrari said. "They obviously help because there’s air moving, but they’re not going to keep you from getting heat-related illness if it's really hot."

She also suggests limiting outdoor activity in extreme heat, such as only going outside in the morning or evening.

Sunscreen is also a must when it comes to keeping your body cool, she said.

"Sun can significantly slow the skin’s ability to release excess heat, so it’s important to stay out of the sun," Ferrari said. "Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down as well. You do not want to be out in the sun and get burned because it’s going to accelerate heat exhaustion."

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Stay cool as Iowa's summer heats up with these tips from local public health officials