 "Photo: Ian M. James")
Resting under a shaded area while drinking water may not sound as good as sipping lemonade while baking in the sun's warm rays, but it is certainly a safer route to avoid heat illness.
Many people suffer heat-related illnesses while working, playing and exercising in the sun. Although strenuous activities are hard to avoid in the summer, they can be dangerous in hot weather, said Dr. Roger Miller, the assistant director for clinical services at the Wilce Student Health Center.
"It's not often we get people suffering from heat illness coming in; however, occasionally we have a few people who were out in the heat doing heavy activity, and became victim to a heat-related illness," Miller said. "Fortunately, we haven't seen anything life threatening."
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses may include weakness, confusion, muscle cramps, elevated temperatures, accelerated pulse and loss of consciousness.
"If a person has symptoms of nausea, headaches or dizziness, they may be suffering from a heat illness," Miller said.
Many people become distracted with outdoor activities and forget to acknowledge the possible dangers.
"Humidity levels are high, drink plenty of water, find a shady area and plenty of hood, and if possible get out of the sun to avoid heat illness," Miller said.
Athletes involved in organized events are the least vulnerable to heat illness, Miller said.
"Athletes rarely come in suffering from heat illness simply because they have trainers who understand the value of water and adequate break times," he said.
The Department of Public Safety provides tips on how to avoid sun-related medical problems; however, some students have found benefits to the sun's rays.
"I've been told that the sun's rays clear up acne," said Anthony Pagan, a senior in business.
Despite the few benefits, people should continue to be careful, Miller said.
"There are many skin conditions treated with UV radiation. There may be some truth in the 'acne treatment' theory, but there are different types of rays. Sun rays may increase your chance of sunburn and skin cancer," Miller said.
"The major benefit of sunlight rays is that it causes vitamin production in the skin, but it is not recommended to sit in the sun for this purpose, since many of the vitamins produced are already found in an individual's diet," he said.
Pagan said he doesn't use protective lotion on his face because he heard the sun's rays wouldn't help clear up acne through the sunscreen.
Despite any partial benefits it is important to wear at least an SPF 15, said Miller.
"People should be aware that this is only a temporary block," he said. "I would recommend that people stay in a shaded area and drink plenty of water to avoid heat illness."
Younger people and senior citizens are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
"Elderly people are at risk simply because many of them may do not live in an air-conditioned home," said Barb Seckler, a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety. "Although they are the most vulnerable, anyone who may be working or exercising heavily in the heat can become victim to heat-related illness."
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