Since the heat of summer has arrived, it is a good time to discuss the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, and give some tips on how to prevent them.

In all heat-related illnesses, symptoms appear after a person has been exposed to extremely hot temperatures. There is a wide range of illnesses, including heat rashes, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Individuals at risk include young children, older adults, people who are obese, people born with an impaired ability to sweat, people suffering from cardiovascular disease, and those using certain medications.

Heat stroke is the most severe of the heat-related problems, often resulting from exercise or heavy work in hot environments combined with inadequate fluid intake. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated. Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature (104 degrees); cessation of sweating with hot red or flushed dry skin; rapid heartbeat; rapid and shallow breathing; strange behavior including irritability, hallucinations, confusion and disorientation; seizure and coma. A victim of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage.

The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long and prevent these dangerous heat-related illnesses.

• Stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces.
• Take advantage of the cooler times of the day and scale down your workouts to prevent overexertion. 
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, cotton clothing and hats. 
• Drink plenty of fluids including water and drinks containing electrolytes. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages. 
• Use fans and air conditioners to circulate the air. If you don't have air conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library or other space that is cool. 
• Take special care of the elderly, infants or people with chronic illnesses, which make them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.