ILOILO – It is important to maintain proper hygiene amid the scorching summer heat, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
PHO head Dr. Patricia Grace Trabado said taking a bath everyday will help avoid contracting common summer diseases, like scabies, sore eyes, mumps, chicken pox, and other skin infections.
Taking a bath daily will prevent the skin from drying, making it less susceptible to infections, she added.
“Kon indi ka maligo naga-dry ang skin. Kon ma-expose na sa init may tsansa nga maga-dry pa gid and maging susceptible [sa infection],” said Trabado. “Kon sagad mo kalot may tsansa nga magkapilas. Kon imo tudlo waay na-utdan may chance nga magka-secondary bacterial infection.”
Aside from taking a bath, the public should also drink water daily to avoid dehydration.
When going outside, one must bring with him/her an umbrella, a cap or anything that can protect the skin from the sun’s rays.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration announced the beginning of the dry season in the country on March 22.
The state weather bureau also warned of a drier, warmer and possibly prolonged summer due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
According to Trabado, families planning to go to beach trips this Holy Week should also take precaution.
Parents should make sure that their children do not go to the deep parts of the beach, said Trabado, adding that drowning is very common during summer.
Children should also be warned against drinking seawater, which can be contaminated with bacteria.
The PHO chief also said food brought during these trips must be properly cooked and packaged to avoid poisoning.
When complications are observed, the PHO advises the public to bring the patient to the nearest rural health unit or hospital for treatment.
Trabado also said the public should properly store water to prevent dengue-carrying mosquitoes from breeding./PN
