Ah summer — it's time to get outside and enjoy those warm, sunny days! But like so many of the good things in life, too much sun and heat can be harmful to your health. Too much sun ages the skin and can cause skin cancer. Too much heat can result in heat exhaustion or worse!

To help you make the summer 2002, we've compiled this list of common sense tips for beating the heat and the sun:

1- Do a Personal Health Check
If you have a medical condition, consult with your doctor before you go into the sun and heat Certain conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, may warrant precaution. Also, certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can increase your skin's sun sensitivity, including, Retin-A, Benadryl, Motrin and antibiotics, like Cipro.

2- Avoid Peak Hours of the Day
The heat and sun are at their peak from 11am to 4pm. So avoid going out during that period if you can, particularly if you're doing anything vigorous. Plan your walking, swimming or gardening for early morning or evening when it's cooler.

3- Use Sunscreen
Whenever you're outside--on sunny or overcast days -- use sunscreen. Ultraviolet rays (UV) rays can penetrate clouds, causing you to burn. For proper protection, select a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. For maximum protection, make sure the sunscreen contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Apply the sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside. Then reapply it every few hours, more frequently of you are swimming, sweating or towel drying.

	Watch for Signs of Heat Exhaustion
	Flushed, pale and cool skin, heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and headaches can all be an indication of heat exhaustion. If any of these symptoms occur, move to a cool or air-conditioned location. Relax and drink plenty of water. In extreme cases, you may want to apply wet cloths to the skin. If the symptoms continue, take a cool shower.

4- Go Undercover
Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing. Loose-fitting clothing allows air to circulate near your body and the light colors reflect sunlight keeping you cooler than darker colors that absorb sunlight. Natural fibers, like cotton, also help to absorb perspiration. If you have fair skin, you also may want to cover your arms and legs.

5- Wear a Hat
It's a good idea to wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face and neck. If you wear a baseball cap remember to apply sunscreen to your ears, which will not be protected. . But don't kid yourself into thinking, you don't need sunglasses. When you're at the pool, lake or shore, a hat can't protect you from sunrays reflecting off of the water.

6- Protect Your Eyes
The rays of the sun are damaging to your eyes. They'll also cause you to squint which promotes wrinkles. So always wear sunglasses and be sure they provide both UVA and UVB protection.

7- Drink Plenty of Water
Stay well hydrated. You need to replace fluids lost by sweating. Avoid alcohol and beverages with caffeine; they promote fluid loss.

8- Take it Easy
Don't over exert yourself. Be sensible and listen to your body. Learn to recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion.