Summer is here and so is the warm weather and humidity.  People can suffer heat-related illness when the body's temperature control system is overloaded.  The body normally cools itself by sweating.  When the humidity is high, sweat won't evaporate as quickly, which keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.  To protect your health when temperatures and humidity are high, remember to keep cool and use common sense.    

The following tips are important:

• Increase fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.  The best way to tell you are well-hydrated is if your urine is light yellow.  If it gets dark, stop and rehydrate by drinking water immediately.
• If experiencing a lot of sweating, replace salt and minerals by eating foods like bananas and salty crackers, or drink rehydrating beverages that contain salts such as sports drinks, and special rehydration fluids.
• Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and wear sunscreen
• Wear hats that shade your face such as sun hats, visors, etc.
• Keep in the shade or air conditioned areas as much as possible.
• Work slowly if you are not used to working or exercising in heat and humidity.  Stop immediately if you get dizzy, nauseated, or feel weak.  Go into an air conditioned space and drink cool liquids.
• Use a buddy system.  Watch others for heat-induced illness, since some people may not realize that they are suffering heat-related illnesses and can become confused or lose consciousness.