Provincial health officer cautions public vs heat stroke

NEGROS Occidental Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang reminded the public to avoid exposure from heat to avoid cramps, as the weather bureau announced that some areas may experience dangerous levels of heat index this summer.

Aside from heat stroke, the public should also take precaution against heat-related diseases such as skin diseases, fever and headache and food poisoning, Tumimbang said.

He said the public is also warned against eating foods bought from vagrant vendors who sometimes do not observe proper food handling.

"There are foods sold outside that are not covered so they are exposed to flies and dust and other bacterias," Tumimbang said.

He also reminded the local government units to be active on sanitary inspection to maintain the good health of the community.

"Those people who have high blood or hypertensive, they better stay at home or at the office, if outside activity is not required. We should drink plenty of water and we should also avoid foods that easily get spoiled especially those are made from dairy products. We should also observe proper hand washing," Tumimbang said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said there were areas last week that experienced heat index of up to 41 degrees Celsius.

The heat index, or "init factor," is the temperature people feel.

Heat index of 41 degrees Celsius and up are considered dangerous to human beings, the weather bureau warned.

Pagasa also warned the public to stay outdoor exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where the peak of high temperature usually occurs.