THE SUN & FESTIVALS.

The city of New Orleans has been referred to as the fest capital. Throughout the year dozens of fes- tivals celebrating food, music and cultural heritage take place.

To these festivals we take our folding chairs, rubber boots, rain ponchos and even necessities such as toilet paper, but many times we omit the most important item, sunblock.

There is a preconceived idea that sunblock relates only to the beach, but the sun rays are still intense in the city and people often end up with severe sun burns after an out- door day without sun protection.

The World Health Organization asserts that solar radiation, wheth- er at the beach, the countryside, or the city, has the same negative

effect and is linked to cases of skincancer and vision issues in some instances.

Another frequent consequence of long sun exposure is heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include headaches, nausea, vomit, fever, burning skin sensation. Extreme cases of sun stroke can lead to dangerous convulsions.

A person suffering from headstroke should be moved to a cool place, hydrated with cold water, use cold compresses on the head, or drink electrolyte drinks that can raise blood pressure.

Our skin may not show easily visible signs of sun damage, but an infrared camera makes the damage on epidermis from sun rays evident. Signs of dam- age from exposed unprotected skin include the appearance

of freckles, and white or dark spots.

Remember the importance of protecting your skin from sun rays the next time you go out to enjoy the great festivals around town.

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