Ah, summer's favorite conversational killer - is it hot enough for ya? It's easy to forget that, in fact, heat can kill. So let's take a minute to run through the warning signs and dangers of heat stroke & exhaustion... shall we?

Heat exhaustion is a less severe form of heat injury and occurs when the body is too hot. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive thirst, profuse sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, uncoordinated movement, fatigue and fainting. The skin usually feels cold and clammy to the touch.

Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat-related illness. Symptoms of heat stroke include dizziness, confusion, combativeness, strong rapid pulse, dry skin or lack of sweating and possible delirium, unconsciousness, or coma.

-Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks because they promote dehydration.
-Eat light. Avoid hot, heavy meals and opt for foods high in water content: fruits, salads and soups.
-Dress in light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
-Wear a hat or umbrella to block the sun's rays.
-Find shade or air conditioning if possible. Even two hours of air conditioning each day can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
-Use common sense--avoid strenuous unnecessary projects and exercising in the heat. Avoid midday heat, the hottest part of the day being the hours of noon to 4:00p.m.