TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Summer has not been kind to the United States this year; specifically in Troy, temperatures are consistently holding around the 90 degree threshold.

High temperatures means a higher risk for heat related illnesses. As summer continues to cook the United States, there are ways to protect yourself.

“Staying hydrated during the summer months, it is important to stay hydrated year round but when you are losing some of your hydration or some liquids through sweating, which is our body’s natural way of helping us stay cool then you have to replenish that,” said Troy University Health Center nurse practitioner Jacque Chirico.

Experts say it is crucial to understand the impact clothing has on the human body.

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“Black, dark navy, things like that will be hotter, lighter clothing, the whites, very light pastels are going to help with not being as hot,” Chirico explained.

Although the weather forecast shows temperatures, be mindful of humidity levels.

“90 degrees outside can feel like 100 degrees if the humidity is real high,” Chirico told TrojanVision. “Take into account that extra heat factor, the temperature what it feels like outside not just actually what the temperature is.”

One way to reduce the chance of heat-related illness is to work early in the day or later at night when temperatures are lower.