The Negros Occidental provincial health officer is reminding the public to always stay hydrated to avoid heat strokes and other illnesses as temperatures rise.
Drink plenty of water, stay away from the intense heat of the sun, and watch out for heat stroke symptoms, Dr. Girlie Pinongan, Provincial Health Officer, said on Wednesday, March 13.
Exposure to too much heat can result in heat rashes, heat cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, and heat strokes.
Heat stroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as cramps, syncope and exhaustion, a Department of Health advisory said.
Although heat strokes mainly affects people over 50 years old, it can also affect healthy young athletes and anyone who is exposed to prolonged heat, it said.
Those with higher risk to have heat strokes are those with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, mental illness, alcoholism, and those with fever, the DOH said.
Pinongan said those with heat stroke symptoms should consult medical professionals immediately.
She also warned the public against water borne diseases with water sources drying up, and typhoid from dirty food.
The public should report water shortages and dirty water sources to authorities, she said.*