06-20-06 - Exercising or working outdoors can be great for your health, but it can also be dangerous.

Spending time in the heat will probably make you thirsty, and that thirst is your body's way of saying you need water. However, by the time you get thirsty, you're already dehydrated.

Heat exhaustion happens when you can't sweat enough to cool your body. It usually happens when you're working or exercising in the hot sun.

Heat illnesses can be easily prevented: drink lots of water before you go out. Ideally, you should drink one to two glasses of water every 20 minutes while you're in the heat and humidity.

Another way to keep safe in the heat: wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing, and limit your activities on hot days. If you're getting warm or light headed, take a break and find some shade.