ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has advised the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses as the heat index continues to rise with the approach of the summer season.
Based on the monitoring by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – Iloilo, the heat index in the city and province has been within the “extreme caution” category (31 to 41 degrees Celsius) in recent days, peaking at 39 degrees Celsius at noon on Tuesday, March 4. This marks the highest recorded heat index in Iloilo so far this month.
An “extreme caution” classification means that the perceived heat could cause health issues such as discomfort, heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion.
The IPHO particularly warned vulnerable individuals, especially those suffering from renal and heart diseases, as they are at greater risk of experiencing complications due to high temperatures.
According to IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, extreme heat can lead to dehydration, which may worsen pre-existing kidney and heart conditions.
“Extreme temperatures can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can further aggravate renal and heart problems,” Quiñon said in an interview with Panay News.
Quiñon reiterated Department of Health (DOH) Department Circular No. 0161, issued in April 2024, which provides guidance on mitigating the effects of rising heat index levels in communities, learning institutions, and workplaces.
The DOH has warned that due to climate change and the El Niño phenomenon, temperatures have reached record highs, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, digestive issues, infections, asthma, and other health concerns.
High temperatures also pose a significant risk to workers, with studies showing that when temperatures exceed 32 degrees Celsius, the risk of injuries rises by six to nine percent.
When temperatures reach 37 degrees Celsius or higher, this risk increases to 10 to 15 percent.
Furthermore, chronic heart and kidney diseases are more likely to develop among workers frequently exposed to strenuous labor in high-heat environments.
For children, prolonged exposure to extreme heat may affect cognitive development, potentially leading to a one-percent reduction in learning ability for every 0.56-degree Celsius increase in temperature throughout the school year.
Due to these risks, Quiñon urged schools and learning institutions to implement measures to mitigate the effects of extreme heat on students.
“We must take proactive steps to increase resilience against rising heat indexes and reduce learning disruptions and economic losses due to extreme temperatures,” Quiñon emphasized.
If the heat index reaches 42 to 51 degrees Celsius, authorities are advised to restrict outdoor activities to prevent health complications and reschedule events to cooler times of the day. Meanwhile, if the heat index reaches 52 degrees Celsius or higher, the DOH recommends canceling face-to-face classes and suspending outdoor physically demanding activities, including sports events.
First Aid for Heat-Related Illnesses
Quiñon advised the public on what to do if someone exhibits symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
For heat exhaustion, which occurs when body temperature reaches between 38.3 and 40 degrees Celsius, especially among outdoor workers like farmers, the affected individual should be moved to a cool or shaded area, allowed to rest, and fanned until they recover.
For heat stroke, symptoms include excessive sweating, dry or flushed skin, and dizziness. The affected person should be placed in a shaded area, laid down, and cooled using lukewarm or ice water. Once conscious, they should be given oral hydration solutions. If symptoms persist or worsen, immediate medical attention should be sought.
On Monday, March 3, the DOH issued a nationwide advisory warning against heat-related illnesses following PAGASA’s forecast of “danger” level heat indexes in Quezon City, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija. A heat index of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius can lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and vomiting. Prolonged exposure can escalate to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition that may cause unconsciousness, confusion, seizures, or convulsions.
The DOH advised the public to take the following first-aid measures for heat-related illnesses:
* Move the person to a shaded, well-ventilated area.
* Remove excess clothing.
* Apply cold compresses, ice packs, cold water, or damp cloths to key areas such as the head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.
* If conscious, encourage slow and frequent sips of cold water.
* Seek emergency medical assistance if necessary.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, the DOH also recommended drinking plenty of water, avoiding iced tea, soda, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, limiting outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and using sun protection such as hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen./PN
