SATURDAY, June 7, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- Warm weather's on the way -- just make sure it doesn't get too hot to handle.
Hot temperatures and high humidity can lead to serious health problems, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says about 175 Americans die from extreme heat each year.
Heat-related illnesses occur when your body temperature control systems overload and your body is no longer able to cool itself, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, faintness, nausea or vomiting, and headache or dizziness. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to potentially fatal heat stroke.
Certain people are most at danger from heat. They include young children, elderly people and people who are sick or overweight. Men are more susceptible to heat than women. That's because men sweat more and become dehydrated more quickly than women.
NOAA offers some advice on how to cope with hot and humid days:
More information
The American Red Cross has information on how to cope with a heat wave.