In the past 10 years, more people have died in the United States from heat-related illnesses than from hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning and fires combined.

This time of year it's important for everyone to stay hydrated during any sporting or outdoor activity. Golf Pro Russ Crutchfield says, "People don't realize that you're constantly losing fluids, when you're just even sitting in the golf cart or sitting beside the court."

Physician Larry Hobbs says that heat exhaustion can range in severity from mild heat cramps, to heat exhaustion, to potentially life-threatening heatstroke. Symptoms can often begin suddenly, sometimes after excessive exercise, heavy perspiration and inadequate fluid intake. "Heat related disease has multiple symptoms at different variations. The first symptoms you might experience is cramping. You might find yourself cramping in your abdomen or in your hands. The second is that you become light headed or dizzy, and the third is that you've stopped sweating. That is the worse symptom that you would have."

Lee County Medical Services, Deputy Chief Scott Tuttle says that water that is lost by sweating must be replaced. As much as two quarts of water can be lost in one hour during hard exercise. Dehydration, clumsiness, dizziness, and disorientation can set in if the water is not replaced. "Heat exhaustion and heat cramp type injuries can occur way after the fact that you've been exposed."

If you think you have heat exhaustion, get out of the heat quickly. Rest in a cool, shady place. Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can make heat exhaustion worse.

If victims don't get emergency treatment immediately to bring down their body temperature, they can suffer permanent damage to their internal organs or even die. Keep in mind children and the elderly are most at risk to succumbing to the heat.