HEALTH ALERT: Stay hydrated!

By Jordan Domingo

The Department of Health (DOH)-Center for Health Development urges the public to prioritize their health amidst the scorching hot and dry season.

They strongly advise against consuming sugary drinks, highlighting the significance of staying hydrated with clean water, which constitutes 70 percent of the body mass.

Emphasizing the risks posed by excessive sugar intake combined with the heat, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, the DOH recommends avoiding iced tea, soda, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.

Furthermore, they recommend limiting outdoor activities, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, when sunlight intensity peaks. Protective measures such as using umbrellas, applying sunblock, or wearing caps are encouraged for direct sunlight exposure.

Although no reports of heat-related health issues have been received from hospitals, it’s crucial to recognize signs and symptoms indicating health risks due to direct heat exposure.

Muscle pain or cramping (heat cramps), fatigue, dizziness, headache, and vomiting are common symptoms indicating an electrolyte imbalance. Heat exhaustion, characterized by extreme fatigue and dehydration, can escalate to heat stroke, marked by loss of consciousness, confusion, and even heart attacks.

DOH highlights the importance of hygiene during the El Niño period when water is scarce. Reduced bathing frequency among children increases the risk of diseases such as diarrhea, food poisoning, respiratory infections, and skin diseases.

“Prevention is key,” stresses a DOH doctor, urging everyone to take proactive measures to safeguard their health during the hot season.