Today, Waco is expected to break the record for most consecutive days of 100-degree temperatures. If so, we’ll have endured 43 days in a row of blistering heat so far this year. And cooler weather seems to be nowhere in sight.

A heat advisory is in effect through this evening. Last week, excessive heat warnings were issued. But all that seems pointless because we all know it’s brutally hot out there.

So, for as long as this heat wave lasts, cooler heads must prevail. We must take this seriously — for our health, and that of our loved ones and pets — if we are to survive this summer of physical discontent.

Texans are used to hot summers, but it isn’t smart to have a perverse pride that we can weather this heat wave without making any changes to our outdoor schedules. It’s not a sign of weakness to admit our bodies can’t take this. In fact, physicians and city leaders urge us to stay indoors and take precautions.

Take this seriously and realize the ill health effects that being out in this unbridled sun for too long could have on our bodies.

Everyone’s resistance is different, so heed your own body signals. Better to be safe now than sorry later.

Waco sports medicine physician Chris Miars, an Ironman triathlete, has curtailed his own outdoor activities lately, he told us. And he urges his patients and others to do the same.

“Avoid the heat of the day. If you must exercise outside, do so in the early morning or late evenings,” the good doctor warned. “As your body acclimates to the heat, you can increase outdoor activity. But begin with lower intensity for shorter periods of time.”

Danger signs to watch for include dizziness, lethargy, nausea, unclear thinking, extreme flushing and skin that goes from very wet to extremely dry.

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek shade or cooler climates. And constantly drink water and electrolytes while out to replenish lost body salts.

Miars said if you feel thirsty, then you already are dehydrated and serious repercussions could soon follow. Don’t wait to feel bad. By then, it’s too late.

Part of that is because in order to maintain our necessary internal body temperature in extreme heat, our skin must sweat all over. That requires massive amounts of blood flow and causes the heart to work harder. Hydration helps the body keep this natural cooling system going with less energy lost to other vital organs.

To those who must work outside in this heat, hats off to you (but not really because then we’d get too hot). To Baylor and high school football players: stay hydrated. The rest of us should consider this a rest period. After all, doctors advise it.

Better yet, buy tickets to today’s preseason home opener between the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos and sit back and watch a game in air-conditioned Cowboys Stadium, instead.