With summertime underway in Tuscaloosa, many students find themselves spending most of their days outside in the summer sun.

Between walking to classes, outdoor lunch dates, daily runs or spending the day at the pool, many of us do not take in to account the dangers of intense heat exposure, especially over long periods of time.

The three most common ailments associated with overexposure to heat are heat exhaustion, dehydration and the most serious, heat stroke.

Dehydration is caused by a person losing more fluids than they are taking in. We naturally release water through sweat, urine and exhaling water vapor, all which can be increased as a result of heat exposure. Dehydration can also be caused by strenuous exercise, excessive alcohol consumption without a healthy water balance, and damage to the skin like burns or skin diseases.

Those suffering from mild to moderate dehydration often experience symptoms like dizziness, increased thirst, dry mouth or sluggishness.

Serious dehydration may cause low blood pressure, no tears while crying, sunken eyes, extreme thirst, rapid breathing, delirium and loss of consciousness.

When the body’s core temperature – the balance between the body’s heat and the environment’s heat – reaches the point in which the body can no longer effectively cool itself, heat exhaustion usually follows.

People suffering from heat exhaustion experience symptoms like heavy sweating, weak, rapid pulse or low blood pressure.

Those who notice they are suffering from symptoms of heat exhaustion should stop all activity and rest, move to a cooler area, and drink water or a sports drink as soon as they can.

Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to the most dangerous heat related condition: heat stroke.

Heat stroke bears the most extreme side effects because it can cause damage to the heart, muscles, kidneys and even the brain. If the condition continues to go untreated, a heat stroke can eventually cause death.

A symptom of heat stroke is a continually rising body temperature, usually due to prolonged physical activity in extreme heat. A person is declared a heat stroke sufferer if their body temperature reaches 104 degrees or higher.

Although all people are at risk of suffering from a heat related ailment, there are some people who are at a higher risk than others — children 4 and under, adults 65 and older. Individuals who are obese or wearing excess clothing are also at a higher risk.

Consuming alcoholic or caffeinated beverages can increase both the risk and rate of dehydration, especially if they are being consumed outdoors. Certain prescription drugs can increase sun and heat sensitivity so it is important that you know about these risks before taking these medications during the summer months.

Small precautions can be made to help protect yourself from complications of heat exposure, like wearing loose, light-colored clothing, sunscreen, remembering to hydrate and avoiding “hotspots” like parked cars or unshaded areas outdoors.

The summer months still can be as enjoyable as we all hope for them to be; however, as with any weather condition, extreme heat comes with its own set of risks and precautions to be taken in order to have a safe and fun summer.