Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include children up to age 4, adults 65 and over, people who are overweight, people who overexert themselves during work or exercise and people who are ill or taking certain medications.
Florida health officials offer these cautions on hot days:
Do not leave children or animals in a parked car - the temperature inside can rise to 135 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
Slow down - strenuous activity should be reduced or eliminated.
Dress for summer - lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps the body maintain normal temperatures.
Eat wisely - foods such as proteins increase metabolic heat production and increase water loss.
Drink plenty of water - the body needs water to keep cool, so drink even if you aren't thirsty.
But do not drink alcoholic beverages.
Don't get too much sun - sunburns make cooling down all the more difficult.
Wear a hat to protect your face, scalp, ears and neck.
Apply sunscreen liberally with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15.
Wear sunglasses that deter UV rays, which can cause cataracts.
Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (even on cloudy days).
Some useful resources:
Bradenton Herald: Check our weather on the back of the Nation/World section daily or go to www.bradenton.com for all of your local weather needs.
NOAA's National Weather Service Heat Index: www.weather.gov/om/heat
Florida's Guide to beating heat waves: www.dca.state.fl.us/ bpr/EMTOOLS/Heatwave/heatwave.htm#Heat%20Related%20Links
