Heat stroke (dry & red,) or heat exhaustion (sweaty and losing color,) are things we hear a lot about at this time of year. People forgetting babies and pets in their cars (in the most fortunate cases, just for the moment it takes to shut the car door.)

Heat can be fast, as most of us realize when we get into a car, and can't get the windows down or the a/c cooling fast enough.

But have you ever thought about how slow it can be? It follows you, sneaking up after the first incident of either heat stroke or exhaustion, year after year. Pretty much for life.

You can keep cold drinks handy, get things done in the shade when possible, carry wet towels outside with you, soak yourself with the hose, jump in a pool, lake, or other water. Whatever works for you. But the heat will still be there, waiting for you to take too long, get just a little too hot. You'll always be susceptible.

I know this from personal experience, though the original incident was so early that I don't know the details - but I can remember important things, some daily activities, and even some dreams, all the way back to about three and a half years of age. That tells us an adult should have been more aware.

You'd think I'd move to Alaska or something, but with poor circulation I get aches in my hands and numb feet in cold weather.