Health officials warn rising summer temperatures can interfere with some medications
COLUMBIA MO. (KMIZ)
With high temperatures expected to continue throughout the week, officials are warning that vulnerable populations can be affected.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, there were 35 heat-related deaths in the state in 2025. Out of those, five were in hot vehicles, one was occupational and 21 of the people who died also had documented heart disease.
Columbia Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer says when firefighters respond to heat-related calls, illnesses vary.
“There are varying levels of medical problems that someone can suffer from, from heat exhaustion all the way up to an extreme heat crisis. Heat stroke, once you get to the heat stroke level, it is very hard to turn around clinically," he said.
Schaeffer said vulnerable populations are the ones who are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
“The biggest one that i want people to think about is our vulnerable population; unfortunately, we find a lot of folks that are living out their years at home that have painted windows," he said.
Schaffer added in addition to the elderly, young children are also most susceptible to the high heat.
"Young children might not have the thermoregulation systems in their bodies developed yet. You definitely want to get those kiddos out of the sun," he said.
Schaeffer said it takes a community effort to protect those most vulnerable from the heat.
“That's our civic responsibility, so check on your neighbors, check on your friends, check on your relatives that you know in those situations so that we can help," he said.
With temperatures climbing this week, one group is asking people to be mindful and take care of those with mental health conditions.
According to the National Association of Mental Illness, people struggling with mental illness and those using medications to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia, depression and anxiety are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.
Amye Trefethen, who is the Director of Programs at the NAMI Missouri office, said heat makes peoples bodies not be able to adjust to their medication.
“There are some medications that make it harder for you to regulate your body temperature, and that can be antipsychotic medications. In the heat, your stress hormone levels in the body spike, and then our body tries to elevate our internal body temperature," she said.
Trefethen recommends that people on these medications stay out of the heat and indoors with the air conditioning on and use extra fans to keep rooms cool.
Additionally, the NAMI adds hotter temperatures also seem to worsen the symptoms of mental illnesses and contribute to heightened negative emotions like anxiety and anger.
