Western Visayas health officials raise alarm vs heat stroke

MANILA, Philippines - With summer temperatures due to hit 40 degrees Celsius, health officials in Western Visayas have raised the alert for heat stroke and other summer-related diseases. Online news site The News Today reported Thursday that the DOH Region 6 issued a health advisory that heat stroke is a medical emergency, where the patient must be brought immediately to a hospital. It said heat stroke is a most severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and cannot cool down. The body cannot take off the excessive heat from the body by sweating because of dehydration and/or humid environment, the DOH health advisory said. Risk of heat stroke goes up in hot and humid weather, vigorous exercise in hot weather, dehydration and too much direct exposure to the sun. It may start with signs of heat exhaustion such as warm, flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness and headache. DOH suggested limiting the amount of time spent outdoors; to drink plenty of water, to avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol; to wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved clothing when outdoors; and to schedule heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day, when it is cooler. Those suffering from heat stroke should be moved to a shady spot or indoors and lain down with their legs elevated. If they are conscious, they should sip cool water; have their clothing removed, and have cool water applied to the skin. Ice packs should be applied to the armpits, wrists, ankles and groin. - GMANews.TV