Health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon reminds everyone of the possibility of heatstroke this summer.
According to Leachon, it’s essential to know what high temperatures can do to the body and how heatstroke begins, which can kill those who experience it.
“Kung ang katawan natin ay hindi natin kayang i-control yung ating internal temperature, at ang body temperature natin cannot reach 39 hanggang 40 degrees (Celcius). Ang ating katawan cannot cool down kasi yung sweating mechanism natin ay pumalya na o nag fail at ito ay maaaring fatal if left untreated,” said Leachon.
“Ang usual pasyente na naapektuhan nito ay yung mga bata at may edad, lalo na yung mga may comorbid conditions. Yung mga may diabetes, hypertension, may mga heart failure at yung mga bata naman na infants at mga nasa elementary,” he added.
“But it could also happen to normal individuals lalo na kung sobra ang init ngayong mga panahon na ito.”
One should also know the symptoms of heatstroke to prevent it or immediately provide first aid in case someone is seen experiencing it.
Public cautioned against heatstroke this summer
“Usually ang sintomas niyan ay pagka masyado mainit yung temperatura particularly let’s say sa beach area or sa simbahan na hindi maayos ang ventilation or sa eskuwelahan or naipit ka sa kotse na walang magandang aircondition,” the doctor explained.
“Usually magkakaroon ka ng cold clammy extremities, nahihilo ka, may headache ka, parang kapos ka sa paghinga. Minsan ang iba nasusuka at parang naduduwal, tapos meron kang hot flashes or red flash. Tapos unti-unti para kang nauupos, magkakaroon ka ng rapid breathing, tapos ang heart mo ay bibilis, tapos magco-collapse,” he said.
Doctor’s reminder, heatstroke can be prevented even if the weather is too hot if you drink a lot of water and use sun protection such as hats and umbrellas.
“Ang panlaban po diyan ay uminom ng marami pong tubig at magdala po kayo ng tubig. Number 2, kailangan mayroon po kayong sombrero or payong kung kayo ay maglalakad at kayo’y magtatrabaho. Kung kayo’y nagtitinda po sa mga kalye tapos ang inyo pong suot ay manipis, huwag po masyadong makapal. Siguraduhin niyo po na maganda po ang inyong pangangatawan, ang mga blood pressure ninyo at kung maaari po sana kung makakapagtrabaho kayo sa isang shaded area na maganda ang ventilation,” he said.
If you feel that your body is getting too hot and weak, stop moving or walking and lie down or sit in a safe place.
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