With temperatures rising past the 100-degree mark across Southwest Georgia this past week, public health officials are warning residents to take precautions to avoid dehydration, heat stroke and other potentially life-threatening conditions.

According to experts, the body cools itself by perspiring, but a combination of high humidity and sweltering heat, such as we have in Southwest Georgia now, can be more that the body can regulate.

With weather forecasters here predicting temperature and humidity combining for a heat index of around 110 degrees,health experts tell that sweat may not evaporate quickly enough to keep the body cool. When that happens, the body temperature can rise rapidly. Very high body temperatures can damage the brain or other vital organs. Without proper medical treatment, fast, a heat stroke can be deadly.

According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat-related illness kills more people in the United States each year than hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and lightning combined, Grant said. Yet fatalities caused by extreme heat are preventable.

Air conditioning is one of the best preventatives from heat related problems. If your home is not air condidtioned, go to public buildings that are during the hot part of the day.

Strenuous activity should to be cut back or stopped during the hottest part of the day.

There have been horror stories in past years of young and healthy individuals who succumb to heat if they participate in vigorous activity during hottest weather, especially in sports.

Suggestions to keep down heat related problems are:

•Drink more fluids to replace salt and minerals removed by sweat from the body.

•Avoid alcohol and beverages high in sugar, since they can actually cause the loss of more body fluid. Avoid very cold beverages, which can cause stomach cramps

•Light-weight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing should be the choice.

•Use a wide-brimmed hat and wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher for protection from sunburn

•If light-headedness, weakness or other symptoms occur, stop activities immediately and rest in a cool, shady area. Pace yourself,

• Do not rely on fans alone to stay cool - if you can't dont have air conditioning, take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.

Special attention to infants and children up to four years of age should be taken. Also at risk are older adults, people who are overweight, people who overexert and those with chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.

Some who take medications, such as those used to treat insomnia, poor circulation or depression, can also increase the risk of heat-related disease. Make sure to never leave children or pets unattended in parked vehicles. Cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures rapidly. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise to 140 degrees or more.