The public is reminded to drink a lot of water and avoid extreme heat that could trigger strokes and heart attacks, Dr. Mary Ann Maestral, Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital chief, said Wednesday, March 29.
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and cannot cool down. The body cannot take off the excessive heat by sweating because of dehydration and/or humid environment.
That is why it is important to hydrate by drinking water every 30 minutes to an hour, she said.
Drink water not coffee, soda and alcohol to hydrate, Maestral said.
Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors, especially from direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., she also stressed.
Maestral said the elderly and young children are the most vulnerable to extreme heat and should stay indoors.
She said dehydration could also complicate preexisting ailments such as diabetes and kidney problems. Lack of water could also cause skin diseases, Maestral said.
Animals and plants should also be provided with adequate water to prevent death, she said.
Maestral also stressed the need for proper ventilation in homes.*