On heat stroke PB to DOH, IPHO: Educate the public

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board has requested the Department of Health (DOH) and the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) to do an information campaign in different towns and cities on the life threatening effects of “heat stroke”.

With the onset of summer, the PB passed a resolution on Monday requesting the health agencies to conduct information dissemination in all municipalities and component cities.

 â€œAs we enter the hot summer season, the scorching heat of the sun is in its peak radiates an extreme heat resulting in a skyrocket prevalence of heat stroke,” a portion of the resolution sponsored by PB Member Thadeo Ouano reads.

Heat stroke is defined as a severe condition caused by impairment of the body’s temperature-regulating abilities, resulting from prolonged exposure to excessive heat and characterized by cessation of sweating, severe headache, high fever, hot dry skin, and in serious cases collapse and coma.

The continuum of illness levels has surreptitiously claimed lives of the people. A medical emergency which can be fatal if not promptly and properly attended.

Ouano said that information campaign and emergency notification services are critical steps in the treatment of heat stroke.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier warned that summer will be hotter than usual as temperature is expected to rise.

Since summer officially started on March 18, the highest temperature recorded in Cebu was on March 28 at 33 degrees Celsius.

PAGASA advises the public to bring water while going out to avoid heat stroke.  The DOH also warned the public on the six common summer diseases or conditions. These are sore eyes, sunburn, cough and runny nose, diarrhea, skin disease and dog bites.

DOH said sore eyes or conjunctivitis can lead to blindness if mistreated.

The health department said sunburn can be prevented if outdoor activities are held in early morning or late afternoon and that one should use sunscreen as protection.

To avoid heatstroke, it said one should drink eight to 12 glasses of water a day.

Cough and runny nose easily occurred during summer as erratic weather brings sudden downpour.

The DOH advised senior citizens to get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season begins in June.

The DOH said diarrhea is caused by consumption of contaminated food or drinks. It advises the public to be cautious of street foods during summer.

Skin diseases, according to DOH, are common during the hot season in areas where water is scarce. â€” (FREEMAN)