How to deal with heat: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

LAKELAND (FOX 13) - What a way to start a work week. It was uncomfortably hot Monday. The temperature in Lakeland hit the low 90’s, and don’t expect any relief for a while.

“Miserable,” uttered Amy Harrison from Lakeland Parks and Recreation, as she cleaned up around Lake Mirror.

“Any techniques to stay cool?” FOX 13 asked.

“Just drink water and keep a wet towel around your neck. And a hat on,” she said.

Experts remind us to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydrating when the mercury goes as high as it has been lately. They suggest six to eight 8-ounce glasses a day.

They also say it is important to make sure your kids are drinking plenty of water, especially if they are outside for extended periods of time. Children are particularly prone to dehydration.

Right now, Lakeland Fire Rescue is getting several dehydration cases a day.

Capt. Mark Brown says the first warning sign of dehydration is excessive sweating.

“People will tend to start feeling woozy, seeing stars like they’re going to pass out,” Brown said. “That’s a sign that you need to get someplace cool pretty quick.”

Other symptoms include nausea, cramps, stomach pains, fever, and convulsions.

In the most severe cases, dehydration can lead to death.