HEAT OF THE SUN. The scorching heat of the sun is being felt outdoors during the day even in Baguio City, the country’s summer capital. The Department of Health in the Cordillera Administrative Region on Wednesday (March 6, 2024) urged the public to drink at least three liters of water a day to prevent dehydration which can lead to heat stroke and death if left unattended. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)
BAGUIO CITY – The public is advised to remain hydrated by drinking a maximum of three liters of pure water daily to help prevent heat stroke as temperatures continue to rise.
“Dehydration can lead to the body’s fluid imbalance that can progress to heat stroke. (Drink) At least three liters a day and avoiding altered liquid with sugar or flavors,” Dr. Jennifer Joyce Pira, medical officer IV of the Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR), said in a health briefing on Wednesday.
Since the start of March, this city has recorded the highest temperature at 27 degrees Celsius.
Pira said the high temperature affects the body’s heat index and this results in headache, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weak and rapid pulse, cold and moist skin, chills, fast shallow breathing, fainting or dizziness, and nausea or vomiting.
“In case of fainting and nausea, place the person near an electric fan or relieve (that person) with a cold (pack or towel) to stabilize the body,” she said.
Pira said the worst effect of heat stroke is death, which can be avoided by drinking lots of pure water.
Aside from heat stroke, other health-related effects of the high temperature include skin disease, allergic rhinitis, cough, colds, and asthma attacks, especially for those who are suffering from such illness.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the ongoing dry spell is forecast to be experienced until May this year. (PNA)
