OPINION EDITOR – MARIANA CHAMORRO
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT 4, 2023
It’s that time of year when the heat dominates the St. Mary’s campus. A heat wave can be likened to nature cranking up the thermostat, turning our surroundings into an unrelenting furnace. There is a prolonged stretch of hot weather together with stifling humidity that makes one feel as if they are roasting. These oppressive occurrences are not exclusive to college campuses.
This heat wave is more than just an inconvenience, it’s a health hazard. Heat waves can lead to various problems for college students. The instant one goes outside into the hot sun, they run the danger of suffering from heat stroke or, even worse, heat exhaustion. Heavy perspiration, wooziness and nausea are some of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion. A dangerous medical issue known as heat stroke might develop if ignored. High body temperatures, disorientation, convulsions and unconsciousness are all possible symptoms.
Everyone is susceptible to the heat wave, some more than others. Consider an individual with asthma or a friend who is often tardy due to procrastination, these people are at a higher risk. The heat wave doesn’t discriminate. It’s important to have each other’s backs during this time to extend a hand, be on the lookout for symptoms of overheating, or offer companionship to someone resting in the shade. Hospital visits drastically increase during heat waves and the loss of lives skyrockets as well.
Heat waves affect the college experience; students’ routines, finances, and wellbeing are threatened. Campus life may become chaotic when the heat wave arrives as classes may be moved to rooms with air-conditioner access or worse, cancelled in its entirety. Students’ preferred study locations could turn into intolerable saunas. Avoid planning outdoor gatherings at all costs; it is dangerous and would be equivalent to throwing a pool party without a pool.
Additionally, the heat wave threatens a great financial loss. Many students who live at apartments off campus will face skyrocketing electricity costs from running the air conditioner nonstop to combat the heat. How can one escape this dangerous situation and combat the flame-like heat? Water, water, water. It’s a new best friend. Guzzle it down, even if not thirsty to retain appropriate hydration levels Avoid the tempting trap of alcohol and caffeine, they’re dehydration foes. If the inside of one’s mouth feels like a desert, they’re already dehydrated. Be cautious of the heat and possible, try to stay inside during the warmest hours of the day. Turn on the fan, draw the drapes and create a cool haven in the dorm room. Plan outside activities around colder hours, wear light clothing, and use sunscreen to prevent skin irritation, burn and damage.
Heatwave superheroes know the drill. Conduct self-research to inform friends and peers about the symptoms and diseases that result from excess exposure to the heat. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance upon notice of someone acting strangely, such as excessive perspiration, bewilderment, or worse. To prepare and ready a room for a heat wave– close the blinds and drapes during the warmest times of the day to keep it cool. Also, use the fans to circulate cool air around the building. A heat wave where the electricity goes off is a nightmare. To prevent panic and prepare for this situation, have an emergency kit on hand. Have a section of a cabinet dedicated to holding packs of water, non-perishable foods, flashlights and batteries. When the AC takes a sleep, it’s a lifesaver.
The culprit of this heat in the broader picture is climate change. It’s not a faraway issue and it contributes to the increasing heat and frequency of heat waves. Every individual is responsible for lowering their carbon footprint and taking action to prevent climate change. Cities play a major role as they can cool down and benefit the environment by planting more trees, designing buildings with sustainability in mind, and creating green spaces. It’s all about making the campus and neighborhoods less like an oven. College students may feel like they’re in the hottest seat during exams but with a little know-how they can conquer the heat. It’s not just about getting through this heat wave, it’s about working together for a cooler, more sustainable future.