FOR several days now, Filipinos and various media outlets have been talking about the heat index in certain places in the country, saying this has entered a dangerous range.
The state weather office PAGASA has been issuing heat index bulletins that identified at least seven areas in the Philippines that are in “danger” classification. Under the danger classification, temperatures range from 42 degrees to 51 degrees Celsius, and the scorching heat may cause a number of health problems for many people.
What exactly is the heat index? It is a measure of the heat felt by the human body. This is the same heat felt by animals and plants on land. The weather bureau said the heat index, also referred to as the apparent temperature, factors in both relative humidity and the actual air temperature, providing a physical measure of palpable heat. Those not accustomed to very hot weather may suffer heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.
During the Holy Week, PAGASA identified several areas with a heat index ranging from 40 to 42 degrees. These were Aparri, Cagayan; Pili, Camarines Sur; Dumangas, Iloilo; Catarman, Northern Samar; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
‘Anything that will help cool your body down is a good measure to prevent heat stroke.’
This list was later expanded by the weather office when it released data showing 10 more areas in the country were under scorching temperatures of about 44 degrees, including Metro Manila.
What is concerning about dangerous heat projections is that these data in early April are not the end of it. According to PAGASA, extreme danger heat indexes are seen occurring in May this year. The weather office releases its heat index monitoring and forecast information during the very warm months of March to May.
The Department of Health (DOH) has been warning the public on the dangers of heat stroke. Over the years, temperature in the Philippines has reached 36 to 42°C.
Heat stroke, according to the DOH, is a condition which is considered a medical emergency wherein the body temperature reaches very high levels due to constant heat exposure. It is usually in combination with dehydration.
If untreated, it can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death. Most commonly, heat stroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as cramps, syncope and exhaustion.
Although heat stroke mainly affects people over age 50, it can also affect healthy young athletes and anyone who is exposed to prolonged heat. Special precautions should be made for infants and children up to age 4 and adults over age 65, because these age groups adjust to heat more slowly than other people.
Persons with particular diseases are also at higher risk for heat stroke, like those with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disease, among others. Also at risk are those taking particular medications like anti-hypertensives.
What do we need to do to avoid heat stroke? Drink lots of water (versus iced tea, soda, coffee and alcoholic drinks), keep indoors, avoid long direct exposure to sunlight, and wear thin and loose and light-colored clothes. Anything that will help cool your body down is a good measure to prevent heat stroke.
What if there are signs of heat stroke already? Go the extra mile and apply ice packs to the patient’s armpits, groin and neck. These are the areas rich in blood vessels close to the skin. And cooling them may reduce body temperature.
Everyone should be on guard and knowledgeable in identifying symptoms of heat-related illnesses to help save lives. These include sweating heavily, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness, blacking out, weak but fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting.
PAGASA advised the public to avoid outdoor activity, remain hydrated and wear protective gear to avoid heat-related illnesses. Since we cannot do much about the weather, at least we should know how to cope the extreme heat and ensure our survival.
