The Philippines is known for its warm and humid climate, especially during summer or Tag-init. With temperatures rising and the heat index increasing, it's essential to take precautions to avoid heat stroke, a severe heat-related illness that can be life-threatening.
Heat stroke occurs when your body overheats and cannot regulate its temperature, causing damage to your internal organs. It can happen to anyone, but children, elderly people, and those with chronic illnesses are at higher risk.
Here are some tips on how to stay safe and prevent heat stroke during Tag-init:
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential to staying hydrated and avoiding dehydration, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, on the other hand, can actually dehydrate you and should be avoided or consumed in moderation. If you're going to be outside for an extended period, be sure to bring a water bottle and refill it often to ensure you're getting enough fluids.
Dress Appropriately
When it comes to dressing to avoid heat stroke, choosing loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing that allows your skin to breathe is important. This helps with heat stress and keeps you cool by allowing air to through flushed skin, circulate around your body, and wick away sweat. In contrast, dark-colored clothing absorbs more heat from the sun, making a hot environment feel even hotter. So, to stay comfortable and reduce your risk factors for heat stroke, opt for light-colored clothes that reflect the sun's rays and help keep you cool.
Stay Indoors During the Hottest Hours
The sun's rays are strongest from 10 AM to 4 PM, so it's best to try to stay indoors during these hours to avoid overexposure to the sun. If you need to go outside, it's essential to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen and a hat. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously to all exposed skin before going outside. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if you're sweating or swimming. A hat with a wide brim can also help protect your face, neck, and ears from the sun's rays. Taking these precautions allows you to enjoy the outdoors without putting yourself at risk of heat stroke or sunburn.
Take Breaks and Rest
If you're working or exercising outside, taking frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned area is important to rest and cool down. This can help regulate your body temperature and prevent heat stroke. Try to schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. If you start to feel overheated or fatigued, stop and rest in a cool, shaded, or air conditioner or area until you feel better. Remember to listen to your body and take breaks to keep raised body temperature and prevent heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Use Cooling Methods
Using a fan or air conditioning can help cool down your body when you're feeling hot and uncomfortable. You can also apply a cool towel to your neck, wrists, and other pulse points to help reduce your body temperature. Taking a cool shower or bath with cold water is also an effective way to cool down quickly. If you don't have access to air conditioning or a fan, try soaking your feet in a basin of cool water or using a spray bottle to mist your skin with cool water.
Consider gathering your family and friends for a quick ice bath or swimming getaway to bond and keep your body in a cold temperature for a long time.
A short trip to the mall can help your body temperature to go down. Walking inside the mall and even just window shopping can help your normal body temperature rises, and you ease the extreme heat exhaustion. Malls are jam-packed every summer, providing a cooler atmosphere where people can walk and do fun activities with family and friends.
Going to Baguio City is also a tradition for Filipinos during the summer, which is why it is known to be the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Baguio City is known to be a cool place and one of the oldest cities in the Philippines. That's why people flock there every summertime.
These simple methods to cool water can help you feel more comfortable in hot weather and prevent heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
Avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day is essential to preventing heat stroke. If you must be outside during these hours, take frequent breaks and rest in a cool, shaded area to avoid overexerting yourself. It's also important to listen to your body and avoid activities requiring energy or physical exertion. Instead, focus on less demanding activities or take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery. By taking these precautions, you can stay safe and healthy during the hot and humid weather in the Philippines.
Know the Heat Stroke Symptoms
Heat stroke is a very severe form of heat-related illness that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature (above 103°F), headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and even loss of consciousness or seizures. If you or someone around you experiences these serious symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat injury, seeking medical attention immediately is essential. While waiting for medical help to arrive, move the person to a cooler area, remove excess clothing, and try to lower their body temperature by applying cool towels or ice packs to their body. Remember, heat stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt emergency treatment can make all the difference in preventing serious complications of heat illness.
Heat stroke is a severe heat-related illness that can be prevented by taking precautions such as staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, avoiding the hottest hours of the day, taking frequent breaks and resting in a cool area, using cooling methods, and knowing the signs of heat stroke. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the warm weather in the Philippines while staying safe and healthy. Remember to be vigilant and take care of yourself and those around you to avoid the dangers of heat-related illnesses.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
