(Department of Health logo)
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna -- The Department of Health (DOH) 4-A (Calabarzon) has advised the public to be health conscious while spending time for their spiritual enrichment and reflection during the Lenten break.
“Summer is officially here and we should take precautionary measures and be on guard against summer diseases, such as sore eyes, cough and colds, skin diseases, typhoid, hepatitis, cholera, measles, diarrhea and rabies,” DOH 4-A Director, Dr. Eduardo C. Janairo, said on Wednesday.
Janairo urged the public and vacationers during the holiday break to also reflect on what is good and beneficial for their well-being as they savor taking a respite in the Calabarzon region, which offers some of the best tourist destinations in the country.
Calabarzon comprises the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, which are favorite destinations for the traditional Visita Iglesia and faith-based tourism, given the region’s centuries-old churches, pilgrimage sites, and tourism landmarks.
“Kailangan din nating mag-ingat sa heatstroke at sunburn (We should also be mindful of getting heatstroke and sunburns),” Janairo said, citing the need to be equipped and organized while spending vacation with families and friends.
He reminded the public to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water to replenish the body’s fluid and avoid diseases that are common during summer.
Janairo noted that the weather bureau has recorded high heat indexes in at least two parts of the region – about 43.7 degrees Celsius in Ambulong, Batangas; and 43.2 degrees Celsius in Sangley Point, Cavite at 2 p.m. on April 15.
He also advised people, especially senior citizens, to avoid staying outdoors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to stay away from hypertension, asthma, heatstroke, exhaustion, heat cramps, fainting, and rashes.
“These hours are risky due to the heat factor, which could lead to heatstroke and sunburn. Avoid staying outdoors, and if unavoidable, bring an umbrella and mineral water, and avoid wearing colored-dresses as they attract heat. Wear light colors and don’t forget to apply sunblock,” Janairo said.
He also warned the public of food and drinks that may spoil easily due to extreme hot temperatures, and “to stay fit and healthy and not indulge in an eating spree during the holidays.”
“Holy Week is a solemn occasion for us to spend time with our loved ones. So we should do it in a hassle-free and disease-free way,” Janairo said. (PNA)
