By Liza Agoot
BAGUIO CITY – The public is reminded to stay hydrated by consuming up to three liters of water daily, particularly to ward off heat stroke as temperatures soar.
“Dehydration can result in fluid imbalance in the body, potentially leading to heat stroke. Aim to drink at least three liters of water per day and avoid sugary or flavored beverages,” advised Dr. Jennifer Joyce Pira, medical officer IV of the Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR), during a health briefing on Wednesday.
Since the beginning of March, temperatures in the city have peaked 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)
