Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the story
PHOENIX -- The typical summer temps are now in full effect.
As a result, some Valley hospitals are seeing an increase in heat related illnesses.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion can start out rather subtly.
You may feel tired and warm, then start to get a little dizzy.
The next stage is to develop symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
"At that point, if becomes really important that they do get out of the heat," said Dr. John Sarko of Maricopa Medical Center. "Sit down and start drinking more water. If they don't do that, they can advance to more severe forms of heat illness including heat stroke, which is basically, the brain starts to cook."
Doctors say that's the best defense is to avoid the heat, but if you can't do that, just be prepared.
"As a rule, people don't drink enough water even though they think that they are drinking plenty," said Dr. Sarko.
Wearing light colored and loose fitting clothing, and a hat will also help you stay cooler.
If you work in the heat, Dr. Sarko says to drink a lot of water and take plenty of breaks.
If you or someone you are with starts experiencing symptoms, get out of the heat immediately, drink lots of fluids, and bring your body temperature down as quickly as possible.
You want to avoid drinking extremely cold water because the shock to the system can cause severe cramping.
You should also avoid alcohol and caffine as these tend to hinder the body's ability to cool itself down.
There are several websites with more extensive information on heat related illnesses, such as the CDC, AAFP, and The Family Doctor are just a few.
