Beating the heat: How to survive summer in the Philippines

BY ZEKINAH ELIZE ESPINA

Feb 21, 2024 10:47 AM

  

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Summertime in the Philippines brings more than just fun in the sun; it also brings with it oppressive heat and humidity that can be difficult to cope with.

(Photo by Jhames Pineda)

Everyone needs to stay cool and safe, locals and visitors alike, as temperatures rise and humidity levels soar.

That is why the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, Feb. 21, stepped up to ensure the public is well-prepared to navigate the scorching temperatures safely.  One of the recommendations emphasized by the DOH is the avoidance of outdoor activities during the midday sun when temperatures reach their peak intensity.

Recognizing that errands are sometimes unavoidable, the department advises scheduling them during the cooler periods of the day, either in the early morning or late afternoon.

"Keep hydrated! Drink plenty of water and wear lightweight, loose clothing to prevent the body from overheating," stressed the DOH.

However, during extreme heat waves, there's a big risk of getting sick from the heat, especially with something called “heat stroke.” 

Heat stroke signs, symptoms

The DOH outlined the signs and symptoms, including fever exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, flushed and dry skin, and irregular sweating patterns.

Additionally, symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, cramps, or seizures serve as warning signals.

To address these risks, the Health Department provided first aid tips to mitigate the effects of heat stroke.

First aid

Individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to seek refuge in a cool or shaded area promptly. 

Moreover, the department recommended removing clothing that traps heat and applying cold compresses to areas such as the armpits, groin, neck, and back.

In cases where symptoms escalate, seeking immediate medical attention from the nearest primary care provider is strongly advised after administering initial treatment.

With temperatures on the rise, the DOH is urging the public to remain vigilant and adopt proactive measures to safeguard their health and well-being throughout the summer months.

By taking these simple precautions, everyone can stay safe and enjoy all the beauty and fun the Philippines has to offer, even during the hottest months of the year.

Think twice: Fast-food chain expansion linked to surge in kidney disease, says NKTI

BY ZEKINAH ELIZE ESPINA

 So, there’s a newly-opened drive-thru or fast-food restaurant near your area. 

(Pixabay)

While fast food is indeed convenient, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) on Monday, Feb. 19, warned that a significant increase in kidney disease cases was attributed to the rapid expansion of fast-food chains across the country.

NKTI Executive Director Dr. Rosemarie Lequete, in a press conference, said that over 200,000 individuals are currently undergoing dialysis --- with a 17 percent annual increase in dialysis patients attributed to the growing presence of fast-food establishments. 

“Nagdadamihan ang ating fast-food [chains]... mas dumarami rin ang pasyenteng nagkakaroon ng kidney disease na nagda-dialysis (As our fast-food chains are increasing in number ... there is also a growing number of patients suffering from kidney disease undergoing dialysis),” Lequete said. 

Lequete highlighted that despite the appealing taste of fast food, many are unaware of its lack of nutrition due to ingredients like high salt content and instant flavorings, which the current generation favors.

“Sa ngayon kasi marami tayong mga fast-foods, so masasarap talaga ‘yan kasi talagang maraming asin, niluto sa mantika, deep fried so malutong kaya masarap (We have a lot of fast-food options, they really taste good because they are heavily seasoned with salt, cooked in oil, deep-fried, so they're crispy and delicious),” Lequete said. 

However, Lequete emphasized that as these establishments [fast-food chains] multiply, so do the instances of dialysis patients.  

"Dialysis centers are now popping up left and right, with perhaps around 1,000 dialysis centers all over the country," added Lequete.

Lequete noted that people's lifestyle nowadays is mostly about take-out and delivery. However, she stressed that it is better if people prepare their food --- freshly cooked or cooked at home --- so that it is not too salty and oily. 

She noted that this is very important, especially for people who are already suffering from kidney diseases. 

“Kapag may sakit sa kidney ang isang tao, ang diet talaga ay more on gulay (When someone has kidney disease, the diet really focuses more on vegetables),” Lequete said. 

“Ito ang ating ina-advocate na main source ng protein and carbohydrates, siyempre mayroon din dapat na fish and chicken (This is what we advocate as the main source of protein and carbohydrates, of course, there should also be fish and chicken included),” she added. 

Lequete said that for patients with kidney disease, dialysis is just a bridge toward transplantation. However, she noted that only a few patients get transplanted per year --- with 400 patients a year in NKTI. 

In the same press conference, NKTI lamented the significant shortage of organ donors and urged potential donors to assist those in need