(WENY)-- With the first 90 degree day in the Twin Tiers recorded Saturday, it is a sign that warmer temperatures and more humid air will arrive into the region as summer begins.

But with those warmer temperatures, the risk of getting an illness related to the high temperatures exists. 

So that begs the question: how can one prevent heat illnesses, and what steps can one take to help someone who might be showing signs of an illness.

According to Dr. Dylan Kellogg, the Program Director for Emergency Medicine Residency at Arnot Health & Medical Director for the EMS program, says that all heat illnesses start with what is called Heat Stress.

"I think one of the key things with heat illnesses is understanding where they come from first." Kellogg said. "And that heat illnesses come from the concept of heat stress, that your body just by virtue of existing, is constantly producing heat. And you need to be able to get rid of that heat the environment. When you are exerting yourself more, or in a hotter environment, it becomes harder to get rid of that heat."

Heat illnesses fall on a spectrum Kellogg said, ranging from something small like heat rash and sunburn, to the very dangerous, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 600 people are killed each year due to heat-illnesses caused by extreme heat.

Dr. Kellogg says that if you or someone else notices symptoms of those illnesses on the higher end of the spectrum get into action quickly.

Kellogg suggests stopping what you are doing and "get inside, get to a cool place, get to the shade, fluid, electrolytes, cooling, things like misting and fanning and cool towels" to help cool the body down.

Kellogg says that heat stroke affects the brain, leading to mental status changes such as confusion, disorientation, stumbling, dis-coordination or loss of consciousness.

He says that if you suspect someone to have heat stroke, call 911 immediately so they can get medical attention.

Dr. Kellogg says that there are some steps you can take to prevent these from happening. His first suggestion is to not wear dark colored clothing. The darker the color of clothes, the more they retain heat, making your body work harder to try to keep you cool. The second suggestion he had was know what the forecast is going to be that day. 

"You know, really important is knowing what the temperature and humidity are going to be. We all kind of intuitively know that humid days are more unpleasant outside." Kellogg explained. "But really there is the concept of the heat index, that as the humidity increases, the perceived temperature of your body ramps up really quickly. So if you are looking and its going to be a hot humid day, reconsider the activities you're planning on doing."

If you would like to learn more about heat illnesses, the CDC has a website here that breaks down all the symptoms associated with heat illnesses and what first aid steps you should do if someone has one of these illnesses.