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With high temperatures across the valley, UTRGV health officials remind students to be more cautious in recognizing the warning signs of heat-related illnesses.
Student Health Center Registered Nurse Priscilla Benavides said students should recognize the warning signs and take action before symptoms become more serious.
“Heat stroke, which can be [a] life-threatening, medical emergency and potentially fatal as well,” Benavides said.
Benavides said heat exhaustion can cause dehydration, heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, fatigue and thirst.
Students who begin feeling dizzy, weak or nauseous should stop physical activity and move to a cool or shaded area.
“Sit or lay down to prevent injury,” Benavides said, “Raising of your lower extremities can also help with improving blood circulation.”
Students can use air-conditioned buildings, water fountains and water refill stations across campus to stay cool and hydrated.
Benavides said campus police officers also can help students find resources during an emergency.
She said she recommends students to drink fluids with electrolytes, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and avoid certain drinks because they contribute to dehydration.
“Limiting alcohol and avoiding excessive caffeine would be smart because they do contribute to dehydration,” Benavides said.
She added students who exercise outdoors should avoid the hottest part of the day and recommended the morning or evenings for activities such as running or cardio.
Director of Environmental Health Safety and Risk Management (EHSRM) Matthew Moncus said heat exhaustion is the most common heat-related condition.
Moncus said people who experience heat exhaustion may sweat heavily, feel tired or dizzy and have trouble to maintain their balance. He added their skin may also feel cool and clammy.
“It’s the first stages of dehydration,” Moncus said. “But what it can do is cause your brain to start overheating.”
He said the heat stroke is more serious and occurs when the body’s core temperature rises above 104 degrees.
“Your brain stops working properly,” Moncus said. “You’re no longer sweating, your skin turns very hot, red and this is a potentially life-threatening condition.”
Moncus said EHSRM provides heat safety training for faculty and staff. The training covers how to recognize and treat heat-related conditions, including cooling the body with ice packs and cool water.
He added the department also provides outdoor workers with cooling towels, fans, large water containers and electrolyte popsicles.
Heat-related illnesses can affect people even if they are familiar with hot weather.
“It doesn’t matter how conditioned or how used to it you are,” Moncus said. “It can strike at any time.”
For students who experience a heat emergency on campus, Moncus said he recommends contacting UTRGV Campus Police over 911 as they can coordinate an ambulance and help emergency responders reach the student’s location faster.
For more information email healthservices@utrgv.edu or call 665-2511 for Edinburg and 882-3896 for Brownsville.
This is Emilio Suarez for Vaquero Radio
