Ohio Department of Health officials and other medical professionals are urging people to take steps to avoid heat-related illness this week.
Cleveland Clinic physician Tom Waters says the elderly, infants and children, and people with chronic medical conditions need to take precautions by drinking water and stay in a cool place indoors.
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Nine Ohioans died last year from complications brought on by extreme heat. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for central Ohio from 11 a.m. today to 9 p.m. tomorrow. Heat index values will be above the 100-degree mark. Several Columbus recreation centers have been designated at cooling centers for people who need a place to beat the heat.