CHENANGO COUNTY – With warm weather in the forecast many will be rejoicing and partaking in many fun summer outdoor activities, but with that in mind the Chenango County Public Health Department wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable summer.

To refresh the public of heat-related illnesses, county officials remind that as the temperature rises it's important to listen to one's body cues to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion can include any combination of muscle cramping, heavy sweating, weakness, cold and pale clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, nausea and fainting fainting.

For those who experience any of these symptoms there are a few things that you can do to help relieve the symptoms.

Moving to a cooler location and laying down, and overall reducing body stress can help minimize the effects of overheating. Likewise, loose clothing, hydration and the application of cool cloth to the skin can help bring body temperatures back to normal.

Often, vomiting is a sure sign of heat induced distress. If prolonged vomiting persists, seek medical attention immediately as this can be a sign of a more severe condition known as heat stroke.

Generally, heat stroke occurs when warning signs of heat exhaustion are ignored and the body's core temperature is greater than 103ºF. An obvious sign of this condition is hot and red skin and the absence of perspiration, or sweating and a strong, rapid pulse. Additionally with heat stroke, experiencing a throbbing headache accompanied by dizziness is common as well.