Ah, summer — the time of year when the days are full of pop tops, crop tops and flip-flops.

It's also the time of year when the sun’s heat can get the best of you. "It's not just temperature that gives us heat stress. Humidity and direct exposure to the sun can also get people into trouble,” says Dr. Jay Lemery, director of the wilderness and environmental medicine division at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Someone is waiting for you. Search now>>

A heat stroke happens when you can no longer perspire and your temperature-control mechanism goes haywire. It’s more than just being merely overheated: "Heat-related injuries can range from a relatively minor problem like heat cramps to a more serious condition like heat stroke, which can be fatal," says Neal Flomenbaum, chief of emergency medicine at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell.

So what’s a sun-loving single to do? Lemery and Flomenbaum suggest the following tips to stave off problems while still enjoying the summer weather:

1. Slow down. Limit strenuous activities, or at least move them inside. The elderly and the very young are most vulnerable to high temperatures and should stay in the coolest place available out of the sun, ideally in the air-conditioned indoors. If you have to exert yourself, schedule sports and exercise for early morning or early evening when it’s not quite so sizzling outside.
2. Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
3. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other nonalcoholic fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages, and other diuretics.
4. Keep your cool. Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning markedly reduces danger from heat. If you can’t afford an air conditioner, consider going to the mall, museum or another public air-conditioned space.
5. Avoid the rays. Limit your sun exposure. Sunburn makes it harder for your skin to dissipate heat. Always remember to use SPF 15 or higher sunblock.
6. Watch out for others. Keep an eye on your neighbors. The youngest and the oldest are most susceptible to heat injury. Check in on elderly neighbors to make sure they are staying cool and hydrated.

Remember, heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. If you see someone exhibiting severe signs of heat exhaustion, it is important to move them to a cooler place and cool them off with ice or cool water. Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

What’s your favorite way to keep cool during hot weather? Write us and let us know!

What makes you tick?

Find singles who really click with you! Take our free TRUE Personality test! What kind of personality are you? Do you tend to take charge or would you rather go with the flow? Are you an open book or are you shrouded in mystery? Understanding what makes you tick can help you find that magical click with others. Take TRUE Personality now!