ILOILO City – As the dry season sets in, the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 6 is advising the public to take extra precaution to prevent heat stroke and other hypertensive cardiovascular diseases (HCVD).
The HCVD is the most common illness during the dry season, according to John Richard Lapascua, senior health program officer of the DOH-6.
“Also, avoid going out from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. kay amu gid ‘ni ang pinaka mainit nga period of the day,” Lapascua said.
How to avoid getting sick due to the heat?
Avoid too much exposure to the sun, he said.
One should also wear light clothes and drink plenty of water.
Those who have maintenance medicine should take them first before going outdoors. Also don’t forget to bring an umbrella.
Meanwhile, according to the DOH, heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and cannot cool down.
Your body will be unable to sweat off the excessive heat because of dehydration or an overly humid environment.
Causes of this disease include hot and humid weather, vigorous exercise, dehydration, and direct exposure to the sun. Infants, the elderly, athletes, and individuals who work outside are particularly at risk.
A heat stroke may start with the following signs: flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness, headache, very high fever (40-41°C), rapid heartbeat, convulsion, and unconsciousness.
If somebody exhibits these signs, the DOH one should respond immediately.
What can we do?
* move the person to a shady spot or indoors
* lie them down with legs elevated (if able to drink liquids, give them cool water to sip)
* remove clothing and apply cool water to the skin
* fan them or apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin
Data from the DOH-6 showed that in 2018, there were a total of 10,965 cases of stroke (in general), with 5,980 males and 4,985 females.
There’s a decline in 2019 with 8,806 cases – 3,846 males and 4,960 females.
As to the 2020 record, DOH-6 said they have yet to finalize the figure./PN
