BLOOMINGTON - As Central Illinois experiences a heat wave with temperatures topping 90 degrees for the past few days, medical experts suggest moderation in the summer sun.

"Anytime it gets close to the 90s, or the mid-upper 90s, with all of this warm, moist air moving from the north to the south, it could definitely have an effect on someone," said meteorologist Stephen Rodriguez of the National Weather Service at Romeoville.

High temperatures are expected to hover about 90 degrees under sunny skies at least through Saturday, according to the weather service forecast. Sunday may see a high around 88 degrees and a chance of thunderstorms.

While people may be out enjoying the sun, they need to remember the heat and physical activity could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, said Jeanne Dennis, emergency department nurse manager at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln.

Dennis recommends keeping well-hydrated to limit the effect of heat and using a sun block lotion with a high sun protection factor to protect against harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

If a person begins to experience heat exhaustion - clammy skin, body temperature of 103 degrees, rapid pulse and shallow breathing - get him or her into the shade, give him a half glass of cool water or a sports beverage every 15 minutes, remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet towels to the skin.

Heat stroke is more serious and requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 and apply ice packs to the wrists, ankles, armpits and neck while awaiting paramedics.

"With heat stroke you could experience the same symptoms as a stroke, like weakness, loss of muscle tone, memory loss and an inability to move," Dennis said. "Children and the elderly are always more vulnerable as their metabolism is a little more fragile, and they don't have the reserves that a healthy adult will have."

Pets in the heat

Pets also could be in danger in the heat. Livingston County Humane Society manager Diana Ramsey said she sees numerous cases in which heat harms animals.

"Dogs and cats don't sweat. They pant, and when they pant too hard from too much heat then their body can't respond to it, cooling them off," she said. "Their hearts and lungs will just get worn out."

Ramsey said pets should not be in direct sunlight for more than 10 minutes at a time and ideally should be indoors. They also need access to plenty of fresh water.

If dogs have to be outside, then they should be in a cool shelter like a garage, porch or a doghouse under some shade.

Cats shouldn't be left out at all, but they typically are more resourceful than dogs and will find spots of shade in which to cool down, she said.

Black dogs are especially susceptible to the heat because the dark fur absorbs the light.

Ramsey said an animal panting hard and frothing at the mouth is showing signs of being overheated. If an animal is lying down and lethargic, that is a sign of heat stroke.

In either circumstance, a veterinarian should be called immediately, Ramsey said.

Paul Swiech contributed to this story.

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Hot tips

- Stay in air conditioning as much as possible. If you don't have air conditioning at home, go to a library, a shopping mall, a movie theater or a cooling center.

- Drink a lot of water and natural juices. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

- Avoid strenuous activity during the mid-day heat and take regular breaks away from the heat.

- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

- Limit the amount of time spent in direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.

- Eat light meals.

- Don't stay in a hot car. Don't leave a child in a hot car.

- Check on relatives and neighbors, especially older adults.

- If a person begins to experience heat exhaustion - clammy skin, body temperature of 103 degrees, rapid pulse and shallow breathing - get him or her into the shade, give a half glass of cool water or a sports drink every 15 minutes, remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet towels to the skin.

- If the person is vomiting, dizzy, has decreased alertness or loss of consciousness, a rapid pulse and a body temperature of more than 103 degrees, he or she is experiencing heat stroke. Call 911 and apply ice packs to the wrists, ankles, armpits and neck while awaiting EMTs.