ILOILO – With the onset of the warm and dry season, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) advises the public to be cautious against diseases triggered by extreme heat.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, IPHO head, said these diseases mostly affect children and the youth – sore eyes, sunburn caused by excessive exposure to heat, scabies, and prickly heat or bungang-balhas.
Quiñon noted that since children do not have classes during summer, they have time to go to the beach and play in the sand where they could sustain insect bites that cause skin irritation.
Parents should also watch out for diarrhea; with the hot weather everyone likes cold juices and other drinks sold by ambulant vendors, Quiñon added.
The IPHO head also warned the public, especially bikers and other sports enthusiasts – activities in direct sunlight may cause heat stroke or high blood pressure.
Children also love to play with pets and animal bites are becoming more common.
Colds, coughs and measles are also prevalent in the summer, Quiñon said.
How to prevent summer diseases?
It is still all about proper hygiene, eating nutritious or healthy food, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding exposure to heat, said Quiñon.
“Basic man gihapon, hygiene. Manghinaw sang kamot, hydrate yourself sa init kag dala gid always sang tubig. If possible, kaon potassium-rich food or fruits, get enough rest, and of course, kaon sang healthy and nutritious foods, especially those with Vitamin C,” said Quiñon.
She reminded food handlers to wash hands properly before preparing food.
When serving juices and other drinks, the source of water must be clean and not contaminated to avoid stomachaches, she further stressed.
For those taking maintenance medicines for high blood pressure, do not forget to drink plenty of water, the IPHO added./PN
