Keeping Cool on Campus
At the beginning of the fall semester here at ASU, temperatures outside are scorching. That doesn’t stop us students from traversing the hot outdoors to get from class to class. This kind of heat can be no joke, especially when it is over 100 degrees—spending extended time outdoors at this temperature can cause heat exhaustion for even the most seasoned of desert dwellers. The Mayo Clinic states that these are the symptoms of heat exhaustion you’ll need to keep an eye out for:
- Heavy sweating
- Dizziness
- Faintness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Moist, cool skin with goosebumps while in a hot environment
- Low blood pressure when standing
If you ever experience these symptoms, immediately take measures to regulate your temperature. Here are some effective tips that will help you cool off:
- Go to a shady spot on campus or inside of an air conditioned building until you cool off.
- If you can, sit or lay down and elevate your feet slightly.
- Drink cool water or another non-caffeinated beverage.
- Take a cool shower to lower your body temperature.
- Wear lightweight clothing when you know you’ll be outside for an extended period of time.
If heat exhaustion is not treated, and treated quickly, it can escalate to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a life threatening condition. You can recognize heat stroke by these signs:
- Core body temperature of 104°F
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Inability to drink
- Agitation
- Seizures
Call 911 immediately if you experience any of the symptoms of heat stroke or witness someone else experience them. You could save a life.
