Florida summers can be scorchers. But you don't have to jog on Bayshore or work as a roofer to succumb to the heat. • Across the nation, more than 1,500 people die every year from the heat, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Seniors are particularly vulnerable — some medications affect temperature regulation, and so do some chronic health conditions. • Would you recognize the symptoms of overheating in yourself, a co-worker or a loved one? Would you know what to do? Take our quiz to find out if you can take the heat.
1. True or False: Iced coffee and tea will help you stay hydrated in the heat.
2: True or False: Drink fluids as soon as you feel thirsty.
3. True or False: Wearing an extra layer of heavy clothing while working out will promote weight loss.
4. True or False: Keep working through muscle cramps while working out in the heat. They'll go away.
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5. True or False: If you suddenly stop sweating while out in the heat, that means you've adjusted to the temperature.
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6. Which of these makes high outdoor temperatures more likely to cause heat illness?
A. High clouds
B. A hot breeze
C. High humidity
7. All of these are bad, but put them in order, from concerning to medical emergency.
A. Heat exhaustion
B. Heat stroke
C. Heat cramps
8. Which of these people are most at risk for heat illness?
A. Teenage girl, over 5 feet 2, thin build, blue eyes, blonde hair.
B. Man over age 65, overweight, heart disease, drinks, take antihistamines.
C. Middle-aged man with a desk job, plays sports only on weekends.
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9. Which of these describes heat stroke?
A. Body can't control its temperature, sweating stops, hot, flushed skin, confusion, anxiety, death or disability possible.
B. Excessive sweating, body loses too much salt and water, may have nausea, headache, muscle cramps, confusion.
C. Body loses lots of water, salt, potassium, other minerals causing spasms or pain in hands, arms, legs, or feet.
10. How long does it take a parked car with the windows rolled up to reach a temperature dangerous to a child or pet left inside it?
A. About half an hour
B. About 15-20 minutes
C. About 5-10 minutes
11. What's the leading cause of noncrash, vehicle-related deaths in children under age 14?
A. Carbon monoxide poisoning
B. Heat stroke
C. Driver backing up over an unattended child
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12. What's the most common reason children are left in a hot car?
A. Driver forgot the child was in the back seat
B. Child got into an unlocked car
C. The driver thought a sleeping child would be okay "for a few minutes.''
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