The National Weather Service has placed an Extreme Heat Advisory on our area through the weekend. As temperatures continues to rise and humidity closes in, heat-related injuries and illness become even more prevalent. However, these illnesses are highly preventable if you follow a few simple steps.

• Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. If you don't have air conditioning in your home, go to a public place such as a shopping mall or a library to stay cool.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink water often. Don't wait until you are thirsty.
• Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or in a building without air-conditioning.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim.

Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness.

Information from www.cdc.gov contributed to this article.