On a day when the heat index made the 94-degree temperature feel like 101 degrees, people were still exercising vigorously in Raleigh's Shelly Lake Park.

"People up here complain about how humid it is, but you all ain't seen humidity until you go to Biloxi," said Mississippi native Bob Linthurst.

But, during the next two weeks, it isn't the humidity doctors are worried about; it's the heat.

With forecasters predicting a heat wave that could last up to two weeks, experts are warning folks to take precautions to avoid suffering from heat-related illnesses.

"If people don't stay hydrated, it puts them at risk for things like dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and other related illnesses," said Rex hospital emergency physician Dr. Brian Quigley. "Extreme heat usually affects the very young and the very old."

That was one reason why Craig Fishbough was making sure his 3-year-old son Alex was protected from the heat as they walked in the park.

"We make sure we put a hat on him and drink plenty of liquids," he said. "We also don't take him out until later in the afternoon when the sun isn't as hot."

The extreme heat takes it toll on newcomers, too.

"What we see more frequently is folks new to the area just don't make note they have to take breaks and get in the shade." Quigley said.

Doctors say you should also know your limits when exercising in the heat.

"I had to stop jogging up the top of the hill because it was too much," said Geoff Horowitz. "My body just said, 'you go any further and you'll pass out.'"

Experts say heat-related illnesses can quickly escalate.

"Usually it starts out as heat exhaustion where you feel lightheaded, " Quigley said. "Then you reach the point of heat stroke, where you start acting confused. That can out you at risk for further damage because a lot of times you lose the ability to sweat and that can make your body temperature skyrocket."

Quigley's best recommendation: If you know you're going to be out in the heat, plan ahead.

TALK BACK TO STEVE ON HIS BLOG.