This week is shaping up to be a scorcher, and anytime prolonged heat is on the horizon, so is the danger of heat-related illnesses which can be fatal. Beth Jones spoke to health experts about who is at risk and what to do if you have trouble beating the heat.

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UTICA, N.Y. -- For many, summer fun means being outside. But when the mercury rises for a prolonged period of time, heat sicknesses rise with it.

Dr. Timothy Page, St. Elizabeth's Hospital Emergency Department Director, said
"Probably at lest 15 to 20 percent of our patients, all the way from the young to the old are heat related."

For those who take to the outdoors for fun and exercise, heat cramps exhaustion and even heat stroke can hit quickly. Experts say those most at risk are children and the elderly.

Oneida County Health Department Spokesman Ken Fanelli explained, "In the case of very young, their body and the body functions are not fully developed. In the case of the elderly, they have other health issues that are complicated and compromised if they experience a heat-related illness."

For the hundreds expected to experience these illnesses this summer, the signs that it is time to get out of the sun, take a break and hydrate can include cold, clammy skin, headaches and weakness.

"Profuse sweating, feeling dizzy, your heart racing. Those would be the initial things, " said Dr. Page.

But they say if you become disoriented, your skin is hot and dry to the touch, and breathing becomes rapid and shallow, get to the emergency room as soon as possible, and if someone you know is among those most vulnerable, be proactive.

Fanelli said, "We urge people to check on relatives, particularly elderly neighbors and relatives who don't have air conditioning during this type of weather to make sure they are safe and well."

Even better than knowing how to treat heat illness when it happens is knowing how to prevent it all together. Health officials say the best thing to do during periods of extreme heat is to stay inside, especially during the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They say if you must be out of doors take frequent rest breaks if you are working or exercising, wear light colored clothing and keep cool beverages on hand at all times to stay hydrated and keep the body temperature low. Health officials caution those with breathing problems like asthma to take extra care in the heat as those issues can be especially aggravated. They also remind people to never leave children or pets in cars during high heat, even for short periods of time.