This year will rank among the 10 warmest on record, according to the National Center for Environmental Information’s Global Annual Temperature Rankings Outlook. Prepare now by remembering your summertime arsenal of a hat, sunblock and lip sunscreen.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. Regardless of the SPF though, it’s important to apply one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and to reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Try to limit tennis, golf and other strenuous activities to the early morning hours, and pre-hydrate before exercising. Once you feel thirsty, you are already behind in hydration levels. When this happens, you may try to get IV Hydration drips.

"Summer months mean more time outdoors in the heat where it’s easy to become dehydrated." says the Medical Center's Mara Cakans, N.P. "Stay on top of hydration not only with extra water but also with electrolytes to replace salt and other minerals when you perspire. Some good food sources of electrolytes are dairy products, bananas, coconut water, watermelon and avocado."

If you are staying at Ocean Reef this summer, be sure to have hurricane supplies and a plan in place. If you have health conditions that warrant help during an evacuation, please let Public Safety know you are planning on being here this summer. Monroe County also maintains a special needs registry for people who meet the criteria.