Florida is a wonderful place to visit – brimming with sun and fun and more great attractions than you can shake a stick at, but it can also be pretty hot from time to time. So, it is wise to take some precautions to ensure that you avoid heat exhaustion throughout your visit.

One of the most important things you can do to avoid heat exhaustion is to hydrate. Proper hydration can help you to maintain optimal body temperature and here’s an added bonus – it can even help lubricate your joints! You lose water faster when the weather is really hot and when you are more active. Carry cold water with you so you can hydrate throughout the day. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables because they contain a high water content, so they can also be helpful. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they actually work to deplete your hydration.

You also want to dress appropriately. Light colors will be cooler than dark ones. Additionally, certain materials, like cotton and lightweight clothing can keep you cooler than a polyester than would be more apt to stick to your skin and make you hot.

You also want to choose your timing wisely. It is cooler in the early morning and later in the evening than it is from noon to three or four when the sun is high, so take that run on the beach when you wake up or after dinner, and plan your most vigorous activities during the cooler parts of the day as well.

Heat exhaustion can cause a bunch of not so fun symptoms such as a headache, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion, nausea. None of that stuff is what you are looking for during your vacation, so protect yourself against heat exhaustion and carpe diem!