Getting too hot can make you sick.

You can become ill from the heat if your body can’t compensate for it and properly cool you off.

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.

Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use can play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather.

People who are at highest risk are the elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases.

But even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.

Air-conditioning is the No. 1 protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned, such as a mall or the library.

You can take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries and deaths during hot weather:

 Stay cool indoors. If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment. Rest and when needed, take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.

 Drink plenty of fluids. During hot weather you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates. Increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour. Avoid drinks containing alcohol because they will actually cause you to lose more fluid.

 Replace salt and minerals. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. The easiest and safest way to do this is through your diet. Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage when you exercise or work in the heat. Avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps.

 Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will provide shade and keep the head cool. If you must go outdoors, be sure to apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going out and continue to reapply according to the package directions. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin.

 Schedule outdoor activities carefully. If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day. Do not engage in strenuous activities.

 Pace yourself. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, stop all activity. Get into a cool area or at least in the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint.

 Monitor people at high risk. Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to 4 years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications. Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Encourage them to increase their fluid intake by drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages regardless of their activity level. Take them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems.