You knew it was coming. We’ve been having some terrific weather so far this summer, and we all knew that it was on its way eventually. I’m talking about hot weather: steamy, humid, hot temperatures in the 90s and up to 100 degrees. We were probably lulled into complacency, but now that it’s here we need to take some necessary precautions, and there are many.

Of course, the first warning is to be more aware of the high temps and your exercise regimen. If you exercise outdoors—run, walk, jog—try to do your routine early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are lower and the sun is not so strong. If at all possible, try to do your running or walking indoors on a treadmill—at least until the temperatures drop back down to a healthy range.

Remember to keep hydrated, you will need much more water as the thermometer goes up into the 80s and 90s. Dress down for your outdoor exercise. Wear loose fitting clothes, and try to avoid tight fitting clothes made of man-made materials—they don’t absorb sweat. Make sure you wear clothes that people can see if you choose to exercise outside in low light conditions. Dark clothing is very difficult to see at night.

Another precaution to take is to reassess your diet. Eating the equivalent of a Thanksgiving meal when it’s 90 degrees outside is asking for trouble. Try to eat light. Cool foods–like salads and iced drinks (no alcohol) are the way to go. Stomach bloat is extremely uncomfortable and the heat will just add to your discomfort. Fried foods, heavy foods, and high fat foods can take longer to digest and therefore should be consumed sparingly during a heat wave. Fruits and veggies—especially the fresh ones being sold at our neighborhood roadside stands— are the way to go. If you are going to cook it’s best to try and do it outdoors. That way you don’t heat up the house and put stress on your air conditioning.

Here is one you probably never thought about: drug interaction with the sun. Many people taking prescription drugs never really read the precautions on the label. Many say to avoid sun exposure. Why? Well, there are reasons. Sun exposure can make a difference in the performance of a drug. Always check with your pharmacist, ask him about the sun and the drug(s) you are taking. People taking blood pressure medications really need to bone up on their info. Seems many blood pressure meds contain a diuretic. That takes water out of the system. So you really need to know that it is essential that you drink more water than normal if you are outside in hot weather. You will sweat more than usual and it needs to be replaced by drinking more water. If you can, try and stay indoors.

Want another hint? Try and limit your driving. It’s environmentally friendly and much more economical to stay home indoors. And I know some of you have cars where the air conditioning isn’t working. It’s very unhealthy to be in traffic in a hot car.

Speaking of hot cars, this is what happens when you leave a car closed up with the windows shut—temperatures can go up to 130 degrees. So let that be a warning to all of you with pets. Leave them home—there is no need to take a pet with you to the store and leave it in a hot car even for just a couple of minutes. Dogs don’t sweat like we do—they cool themselves by panting. As an added tip, try not to take your doggie to the beach. How would you feel being on the beach in 90 degree temperatures wearing a fur coat? Thought so. And usually there’s no water or shade. Ocean water is not good for your pet to drink, so don’t think that the ocean is a good source to hydrate a thirsty pet.

Protect your eyes from the sun’s glare—especially when at the beach. The sand reflects light and can be blinding. A good pair of shades will do the trick. Use lots of sunblock to protect your skin during these days of strong sun rays. You burn much quicker when the temps are in the upper 80s and 90s. Stay cool.