Here are some safety reminders to avoid heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat stress

The summer heat has been too much to bear lately.

In fact, Makati City reached a heat index of 48.3 degree Celsius on Friday, and Quezon City is expected to reach a 50 degree Celsius heat index today.

On “Dobol Weng sa Dobol B,” Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag shared some helpful reminders about heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat stress, as well as some ways to deal with these.

Dr. Tayag said that senior citizens are the most vulnerable to high temperatures. Experiencing stress also depends on the time people are under the sun’s heat.

“Kapag katanghalian, ito pinaka matindi,” he said. He added that the length of exposure also plays a role.

It usually starts with heat stress, Tayag said, followed by heat exhaustion.

“'Yung heat stress tsaka heat exhaustion, nako, pawis na pawis tayo niyan. Mauuhaw po tayo niyan, 'yung iba maaaring himatayin,” he said.

“Pero 'yung heat stroke, nako, wala ka nang pawis nun. Pula-pula na 'yung balat mo tapos maaari kang makunan ng temperature at lalampas ng 40 degrees 'yun, at para ka nang naiiba. Para kang nai-is-stroke,” he added. “Ang bilis po ng punto, ng pintig ng puso, mabilis 'yung paghinga at 'yung talagang halos di na gumagalaw 'yan.”

Tayag reminded citizens that heatstroke is a health emergency and that “maaaring masira 'yung maraming organs po natin. Kasama na diyan ang panganib na baka mamatay.”

He encouraged the public to plan what time to go out and to take breaks in the shade when outdoors.

“O kaya naman, you can break the cycle. May payong ka, o kaya yung isusuot mo 'yung hindi 'yung makapal, manipis. Tapos meron kang baong tubig, umiinom ka po nun. O kaya naman ay—dapat niyan may pamaypay ka,” he said.

Tayag added that people should stay hydrated with water, and to drink coffee or soda in moderation. Eating refreshing fruits like watermelons and cold treats like ice candy is also helpful.

He also reminded that since people are likely to head to malls for their strong air-conditioning, to keep COVID-19 regulations in mind. He also said to be careful and be prepared when exercising in the heat.

—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News