Keep cool, avoid heatstroke

This summer, Filipinos who can't avoid prolonged sun exposure must take extra precautions to avoid heatstroke, the most severe form of heat illness.

 

To prevent heatstroke, the Department of Health advises wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and hats, as well as drinking plenty of water and avoiding beverages that cause dehydration, one of the causes of heatstroke.

 

The Department of Health explains in an advisory that heatstroke happens when the body overheats and is unable to cool down by sweating. This happens because of dehydration and/or humid environment, DOH said. 

 

Apart from dehydration, the causes of heatstroke include hot and humid weather; vigorous exercise in hot weather; and too much sun exposure.

 

You can tell if you're in danger of getting heatstroke when you experience heat exhaustion. Warm, flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness, and headaches, are signs of heat exhaustion.

 

"Heat exhaustion. Fatigue. Nanghihina 'yung katawan at kapag hindi mo siya nirest at hinydrate, pinainom ng tubig, puwedeng maging heatstroke. 'Yung heatstroke, naapektuhan na 'yung function ng brain," explained Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa in a report on 24 Oras last February. Heat exhaustion may become heatstroke if an individual has a very high fever of 41 degrees Celsius, rapid heartbeat, convulsion, delirium, and unconsciousness.

 

What to do

 

The DOH stressed that heatstroke is a medical emergency. "Bring the patient immediately to the hospital after instituting emergency measures," the DOH said. 

 

A person who suffers heatstroke should be brought to a shady spot, preferably indoors. The person should lie down with their legs elevated, and drink cool water, DOH said. 

 

DOH also said that clothing should be removed, and cool water applied on the skin. Ice packs should be applied on the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.

 

National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Enrique Tayag urged the public to drink plenty of water and avoid direct exposure to the sun. 

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Benny Atienza of the Philippine Medical Association said the elderly, particularly those with high blood pressure, are more prone to heatstroke. 

 

"Kasi sobrang init, lalong tataas ang presyon mo. Puwedeng may pumutok na ugat sa utak mo," Atienza said on 24 Oras.

 

To avoid heatstroke, people must avoid food that is salty, high in cholesterol, and rich with carbohydrates, the report said. 

 

DOH also advised people to schedule heavy-duty activities at the beginning or end of the day, when the weather is not as warm.

 

Gym instructor Bong Villanueva recommended exercising from 5 to 8 a.m., or when the sun is already setting. 

 

"Ang pinaka-safe sa mga hypertensive clients is walking, or kung kaya nilang mag-jog, puwede, pero moderate lang. Tapos if they can do swimming, puwede rin namang swimming," Villanueva said in the report. 

 

Avoid the sun from 12 noon to 3 p.m.  

According to PAGASA forecaster Gener Quitlong, people should avoid the sun from noon to 3 p.m.

 

Quitlong also advised the public to always bring a bottle of water to prevent dehydration.

 

To cope with the hot weather, traffic aides and street sweepers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are allowed "heatstroke breaks." 

 

According to radio dzBB's Nimfa Ravelo, the MMDA aims to prevent a repeat of last year's tragedy where one of its traffic constables died from heatstroke while on duty. 

 

Last February, three people died in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, possibly due to heatstroke. — Carmela G. Lapeña/KG, GMA News Illustration by Analyn Perez