"Hydration and helmets," says athletics trainer Bev Brown, a reminder for athletes in the August pre-season.

In Chapel Hill-Carrboro, most athletes don't need reminders. It was a year ago this Wednesday that Atlas Fraley collapsed, some time after calling 911 and being visited by a paramedic.

"My body is hurting all over," he said.

Extensive tests failed to determine why Fraley died. But his death has renewed calls for safety that even the not so athletic among us should heed.

We'll be at or near 100 this week. When it's that hot, it's important that everybody recognizes the signs of heat-related illnesses.

Don't be fooled by being young and healthy, UNC Hospitals warned in an advisory Friday. Folks 25 to 44 years old visit the emergency room more often with heat-related complaints than any other age group.

The best way to avoid problems? Stay cool. If you can't stay near air conditioning, take a shower. Drink water or other non-alcoholic fluids until you have to urinate. And if you can't escape the heat, go slower, work in the morning and evening when temperatures are cooler. Rest frequently and wear light-weight and light-colored clothing.

If you do develop symptoms -- nausea; fuzzy headedness; a cessation in sweating (a medical emergency) -- get help. You don't have to be an athlete to overdo it. Prevent a trip to the ER this summer with planning and common sense.