By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) had warned Filipinos anew against health conditions brought about by hot weather and high heat index.
In a Palace briefing, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can affect anyone, but certain populations are more susceptible. The public should be mindful about symptoms like dizziness, fever, numbness, fainting, and warm and reddish skin.
“Senior citizens, children and people who are already sick are prone to heat-related illnesses. So, make sure these people do not stay in hot environment,” Herbosa said.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bodies of old people are less efficient at regulating temperature, which include sweating and blood flow to the skin. Moreover, their bodies take more time to adjust to sudden changes in temperature.
Meanwhile, children have higher metabolism, producing more heat and losing heat quickly. This makes them more prone to dehydration. Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity can also affect a person’s ability to responf t heat and regulate body temperature. Moreover, certain medications could interfere with body temperature regulation and sweat production.
“Heat-related illnesses starts with either thirst, severe thirst, you can have a lot of cold sweats. Eventually, if you’re unable to correct that, you will collapse,” Herbosa said.
“If you’re thirsty, drink water. If you feel weak, fatigue is the next step after thirst, heat fatigue or heat weakness, go to a shaded area or an air-conditioned room),” he added.
While heat-related illnesses could lead to an emergency, Herbosa noted that majority of patients easily recover with prompt and proper treatment. He advises people to stay indoors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and use sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, and fans to avoid heat-related illnesses. (PNA)