DOH shares alternative cooling techniques amid extreme hot weather

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday advised the public to use alternative cooling techniques to fight the extreme heat without consuming too much water and power supply.

At a press conference, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said people exposed to high heat index may wipe a wet towel on their body.

“Kaya ang nire-recommend ko lang yung bimpo kasi kapag ni-recommend ko mag-shower ka three times a day during the heat maubos naman yung tubig, drought na nga,” he said.

(That's why I only recommend the towel because when I recommend that you shower three times a day during the heat, the water will run out, there is a drought already.)

Aside from this, he also recommended sprinkling water using a spray bottle.

“You can put water and use that as a regular spray and moisturizer because nagda-dry up ka agad (you are drying up easily). So it's good for your skin. It also has a cooling effect,” he said.

(You can put water in the spray bottle and use that as a regular spray and moisturizer because you are drying up easily. So it's good for your skin. It also has a cooling effect.)

To stay hydrated, Herbosa recommended that instead of buying sports drinks, people exposed to extreme heat should create their own.

“Kumuha ka ng isang basong tubig, kumuha ka ng a pinch of salt at ilagay mo doon sa basong tubig. Meron na yung electrolytes…Yung cause ng cramps is really the lack of sodium sa body,” he added.

(Take a glass of water, take a pinch of salt and put it in the glass of water. The electrolytes are already there...The cause of the cramps is really the lack of sodium in the body.)

So far, Herbosa said 34 cases of heat-related illnesses have been recorded nationwide this year. Of the total number, six already died but the DOH is still verifying their cause of death. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News