1997 Honda Accord over heated

Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Honda Accord 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

my mother over-heated a 1997 accord se about a yr ago. She gave me the car if I can fix. Where should I start?With the head gasket?I was told that when you replace a head gasket you should take the head into a shop to be inspected for cracks and warps, is this true, one more thing before I take the head off what is the best way to get the head bolts off without stripping or breaking them, I here they r brittle because of the heat