Sun and heat can hurt

Feeling hot, hot, hot? For those who have been stuck in steamy Philadelphia during the past two weeks, the answer can only be yes. While the blazing temperatures may be a relief for many students who were shocked by the record-breaking chill of this winter's weather, officials at the University's Medical Center sent out warnings this week that the influx of sultry weather may be accompanied by many major health threats. Although not always serious, dehydration is the most common heat-related problem which affects those who have spent too much time in the sun, said Stephanie Abbuhl, acting chairperson of the Emergency Department in the Medical Center. Although the obvious cure for dehydration would seem to be drinking a lot of liquids, Abbuhl said that people sometimes become so dehydrated that they pass out or vomit if they try to drink anything. "In this case, you really need to come to Emergency," she said. Abbuhl said a more consequence of hot weather -- heat stroke -- is "very serious and life-threatening." Although it is more likely to affect the elderly and young children than young adults, students who exercise extensively in the heat may be at risk as well, she said. "Common sense tells you that it's not a good idea to jog in the middle of a tremendous heat wave," Abbuhl said. "But young people who feel they are invincible push themselves to any limits." The primary symptoms of heat stroke are a body temperature of 105 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, and "confused, lethargic" behavior caused by malfunctions of the greater central nervous system, Abbuhl said. Director of Student Health Marjeane Collins said she has not seen any cases of heat stroke or dehydration at Student Health during the two-week-long period in which the heat wave which has plagued the region. "Young people tolerate it better than others," she said. She said she saw more cases of heat-related illnesses "after Spring break, after everyone goes to Mexico." The threat of skin cancer may also lurk in the future for students who have managed to catch some of the extra-strong sun rays this summer, associate professor of dermatology Leonard Dzubow said. "A good tan looks good for a short time, but the overall effect is dangerous," he said. Although signs of skin cancer rarely show up on people in their twenties, the consequences of tanning during childhood and early adulthood may catch up with sunbathers once they reach middle age, Dzubow said. "The skin never forgets," he said, adding that severe, blistering sunburns -- particularly those suffered during childhood -- can lead to "extremely serious" forms of skin cancer, such as melanoma. According to Accuweather, the hot temperatures and bright sunshine will continue through the rest of the week. Today's forecast calls for lots of sun and a high of 91. Tomorrow will be hot and humid with a high of 89.