(HealthDay News) -- Heatstroke occurs when a person's temperature soars to 104 degrees F or higher, effectively shutting down the body's heat-regulating mechanism. Symptoms may include hot, dry skin, inability to sweat, muscle cramps, and shallow breathing.

Here are suggestions to help prevent heatstroke, courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System:

• Avoid working or playing outside in the hot sun. If you must be outside, limit your direct exposure to the sun, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you aren't thirsty.
• Keep your home air conditioned, or keep windows open and use lots of fans to keep the air circulating.
• Eat small meals, and limit your alcohol consumption when temperatures are high or you're not used to the climate.