Spring Break
Global warming-fueled summer could lead to medical troubles
Brett Gifford
Issue date: 5/13/09 Section: News
The intense direct sunlight of the summer months plays a major role in ozone formation, making it primarily a daytime issue, according to YouLungHealth.org.
On average, we have 10 to 12 Spare the Air days per summer, Cordero said.
Spare the Air is a program that warns residents of dangerous air pollution and urges people to drive less and reduce their ozone emissions, according to the Spare the Air Web site.
"Those will be days when people … if they are going to exercise [should] do it in the morning," Cordero said, noting that ozone pollution gets worse toward the afternoon.
The high temperatures of summer also increase the risk of dehydration and heat stroke.
"It is so important to drink water - not juice, not soda, not tea, just water," Bowens said.
According to Quickcare.org, trying to rehydrate with sports drinks, intended for active, healthy individuals, can aggravate vomiting and diarrhea, commonly associated with dehydration ? intensifying dehydration.
Heat stroke is caused by overheating, when ones body cannot radiate heat or sweat enough to cool it, according to Medicinenet.com.
Victims of heat stroke should get immediate medical assistance, re-hydrate and get out of the sun, according to Medicinenet.com.
"It happens a lot at amusement parks - large areas; lots of walking; hot, sunny days; rides affect blood pressure, so it's bound to happen for some people," Bowens said.
Some students are finding ways to beat the heat.
Antonio Walker, a junior accounting major, said he plans to avoid the summer heat by spending his time in air-conditioned classrooms during summer school at San Jose City College.
"I'm going to be chilling in the Student Union all day," Walker said. "Just chilling in places where air-conditioning is."
Adriana Vogt, a sophomore kinesiology major, said she would be spending her weekdays in the air-conditioning at work.
"I work every day, from nine to five, and then I practice in the morning, from seven to nine, in the pool, so it's not really ever a problem for me," Vogt said. "I like to go outside though. I don't mind the heat."
Sidebar:
Heat Stroke
Cause: Overheating due to dehydration, extreme heat, high humidity, or overexertion in hot weather. Victims may or may not experience heat exhaustion prior to heat stroke symptoms.
Symptoms: High body temperature, lack of sweat, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, strange behavior, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure and coma.
Treatment: Get immediate medical attention. Get the victim out of the sun. Apply cool water to the victim's skin while fanning to promote evaporation. Apply ice packs under the victim's armpits and groin. Rehydrate the victim. Get immediate medical attention.
-Medicinenet.com
On average, we have 10 to 12 Spare the Air days per summer, Cordero said.
Spare the Air is a program that warns residents of dangerous air pollution and urges people to drive less and reduce their ozone emissions, according to the Spare the Air Web site.
"Those will be days when people … if they are going to exercise [should] do it in the morning," Cordero said, noting that ozone pollution gets worse toward the afternoon.
The high temperatures of summer also increase the risk of dehydration and heat stroke.
"It is so important to drink water - not juice, not soda, not tea, just water," Bowens said.
According to Quickcare.org, trying to rehydrate with sports drinks, intended for active, healthy individuals, can aggravate vomiting and diarrhea, commonly associated with dehydration ? intensifying dehydration.
Heat stroke is caused by overheating, when ones body cannot radiate heat or sweat enough to cool it, according to Medicinenet.com.
Victims of heat stroke should get immediate medical assistance, re-hydrate and get out of the sun, according to Medicinenet.com.
"It happens a lot at amusement parks - large areas; lots of walking; hot, sunny days; rides affect blood pressure, so it's bound to happen for some people," Bowens said.
Some students are finding ways to beat the heat.
Antonio Walker, a junior accounting major, said he plans to avoid the summer heat by spending his time in air-conditioned classrooms during summer school at San Jose City College.
"I'm going to be chilling in the Student Union all day," Walker said. "Just chilling in places where air-conditioning is."
Adriana Vogt, a sophomore kinesiology major, said she would be spending her weekdays in the air-conditioning at work.
"I work every day, from nine to five, and then I practice in the morning, from seven to nine, in the pool, so it's not really ever a problem for me," Vogt said. "I like to go outside though. I don't mind the heat."
Sidebar:
Heat Stroke
Cause: Overheating due to dehydration, extreme heat, high humidity, or overexertion in hot weather. Victims may or may not experience heat exhaustion prior to heat stroke symptoms.
Symptoms: High body temperature, lack of sweat, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, strange behavior, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure and coma.
Treatment: Get immediate medical attention. Get the victim out of the sun. Apply cool water to the victim's skin while fanning to promote evaporation. Apply ice packs under the victim's armpits and groin. Rehydrate the victim. Get immediate medical attention.
-Medicinenet.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Ashley
posted 6/09/09 @ 3:49 PM PST
This article is well written and there is truth in the problem it warns of.
However, media needs to stop using the term "global warming." This is not an adequate term for what changes are happening to planet Earth. (Continued…)
meladerm
posted 8/24/09 @ 9:19 AM PST
The sun can be so damaging to the skin. We need to stay protected.
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