NOTE: Avoid early morning when the plants may be damp with dew. Working with damp plants spreads disease.

2. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after working outdoors. The human thirst mechanism is not as highly developed as it is in animals. We may actually be dehydrated before we experience thirst. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking 13-17 ounces of cold water, 10-15 minutes prior to exercise.

3. Wear as little clothing as possible. Be sure to wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing with large breathing holes. Avoid nylon shirts as they retain heat. Avoid rubberized or plastic suits, sweatshirts, or sweatpants. This type of clothing will cause your internal body temperature to reach dangerously high levels and could result in heatstroke.

4. Beware of the following warning symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion:

• nausea or cramps
• dizziness
• dry skin - no sweating
• redness
• goose bumps on chest and arms
• incoherent speech and thoughts
• loss of gait or coordination

6. Keep the body's balance of magnesium and potassium high. Eat natural sources of these minerals found in cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers.

7. Acclimatize to the heat by starting to work out in the heat for shorter periods of time and gradually increasing the time you spend outdoors.

Reference: The National Institute of Health

Recommended Reading
While mainly a book of recipes of blends, the Introduction also contains good information on drying your own fresh herbs, seeds, and freezing fresh herb; as well as helpful information on storing herb mixtures. An added bonus is are helpful suggestions on packaging blends for gifts. There are recipes for appetizers, butters, dressings, no-salt blends, meat, seafood,traditional blends such as Italian, Pumpkin pie spice, bread and dessert blends; and some "not so traditional" such as "Wassail Spice Mix", for a punch. I especially like this book because after each formula there are suggested uses and a recipe using the blend. Each page also has a little history about where the blend comes from. Good Book! (courtesy: Amazon)