Ang init! How to avoid heat-related health risks

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People become more vulnerable to illnesses like dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke during the dry season

MANILA, Philippines – How are you coping with the extreme heat?

As Filipinos expect warmer temperatures this March, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reminded the public to take precautions against heat-related health risks.

This follows several cities suspending face-to-face classes since Monday, March 3, in anticipation of high daytime heat index levels.

The heat index, or the temperature that the human body perceives, is measured using the air temperature and the relative humidity in a place at a given time.

People become more vulnerable to illnesses like dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke during the dry season.

Those who are not used to high temperatures, do not wear proper clothing when it’s hot, are deprived of sleep, are overweight, or are dehydrated are at a higher risk for heat stroke, which can damage heart muscle cells, blood vessels, and other internal organs.

What should be done if someone shows signs of a heat-related illness? The Department of Health laid out these first aid measures:

• Move the affected individual to a shaded or cool area.
• Provide proper ventilation.
• Remove the person’s outer clothing.
• Attempt to cool the person’s temperature by applying cold compresses, ice packs, cold water, or wet cloth against their skin (especially on their head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin).
• Encourage them to drink cool water.
• Contact medical services or bring them to a hospital.

— Rappler.com