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With another summer intersession under way, PCC is once again bustling with busy bodies trying to cope with the heat.

The Centers for Disease Control warns about the dangers of heat stress during the summer months.

According to the CDC, extreme heat can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion and can also increase the chance of injuries due to things like dizziness and burns when coming into contact with extremely hot surfaces.

Types of heat stress include, heat cramps, rashes or more serious ailments such as heat syncope, which can cause dizziness or even fainting, due to prolonged heat exposure.

The most serious consequence of prolonged heat exposure is heat stroke, which occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or even be fatal if not treated immediately.

With temperatures expected to stay hot throughout July, students and staff at PCC are constantly trying to find ways to keep cool.

“I try not to go outside unless I absolutely have to,” said David Villescas, 21, teaching.

“All of my classes are air conditioned and when I’m not at school, I try to relax at home with a cold beer,” he said.

Daniel Martin, 24, English, is another who has chosen to retreat indoors to escape the harsh rays of the sun.

“I spend most of my time in the library or in the student lounge,” he said.

“I also drink plenty of water throughout the day.”

Some students find somewhat unconventional ways to keep themselves in a cool place.

“I try to take extra shifts at work so that I can be in the air conditioned office,” said Allyssa Martinez, 24, English.

“Not only do I get to stay cool during the hottest months of the year, but I make a little extra cash, so it’s a win-win situation,” she said.

Some people can’t stay indoors due to working conditions.

“I can’t always stay inside because of my job, so I try to pace myself and take it a little more easy during times like this,” said James Escobar, 23 a construction worker on campus.

Brianna Magana, 20, English, is well aware of the dangers of intense sun exposure.

“I wear a lot of sun block because I don’t want my skin to get sun damage.”

“I also wear cooler clothes and try not to be as active, “she said.

Carmelita Veliz, a registered nurse with Student Health Services, warns those on campus to be aware of the dangers of the heat.

“If someone is feeling over heated, the best thing for an individual to do is stop what they are doing,” Veliz said.  If they are outdoors, he or she should walk to a shaded area and drink water if at hand. The best thing to do to prevent overheating is to increase hydration during severe heat waves.”

“If the individual is with a friend, or there are other students around, ask for help, by calling Campus Police for assistance.  Student Health Services, located at U104, is open during the summer session, please access our website for ours hours of operation,” Veliz said.

As the temperature continues to rise all over the county, PCC students have been forced to adjust in a myriad ways. Above, the sun shimmers off the administration building. (Max Perez / Courier)

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