Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Malig: Summer heat By Jun A. Malig Cognition
WHILE I'm writing this article at 10:45 a.m. Monday morning, the temperature was already around 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in Pampanga. But with the 55 percent humidity, it felt like 34 degrees Celsius (heat index).
Thanks to The Weather Channel software, I'm able to monitor the real-time climate and temperature while using my computer.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa) has advised the public to take extra precautionary measures against the hot and humid weather which is expected to persist in the next few days.
Its 24-hour forecast and extended weather outlook showed that the Clark-Subic area will have a maximum temperature of 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 Fahrenheit) until Thursday with a relative humidity of up to 82 percent, especially between noontime to 2 p.m.
The Department of Health has advised everyone to become aware of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and other heat-related conditions due to the hot weather. Drink plenty of water and minimize exposure to the sun, it said.
Protective gears like hats, sunglasses, or umbrellas are also advisable.
How we really feel the hot summer days, which is above the prevailing temperature, is the result of relative humidity when added to the actual air temperature.
Exposure to the sun even increases the heat index by one degree Celsius.
Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are among the problems, especially by older folk during hot summer days. Avoiding strenuous activities and staying indoor as much as possible is advisable for those who have heart conditions, high blood pressure, and the elderly.
Although electricity costs much higher nowadays, air conditioning units seem to become a necessity. I have a female friend who had to buy an air-conditioning unit because her pregnancy made it a lot harder to "survive" the hot, humid days and nights.
Electric fans are a cheaper alternative but they don't really cool the air. They just help sweat evaporate and cools our bodies.
Even if you are not thirsty, drink water. Stay away from drinks with caffeine -- like iced tea or iced coffee (unless it's decaffeinated) and soda -- although their manufacturers claim that such products will "quench your thirst." Caffeine will make you feel good in a short span of time but it will actually make the heat's effect on your body worse. This is a scientific fact.
Even food rich in protein should be avoided, as protein increases metabolic heat. Of course, salty food is not advisable for people who have high blood pressure.
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Concerned government officials should act swiftly to address the economic woes of majority of Filipinos.
The people have been waiting for the passage of the Cheaper Medicines Act, which is still pending before the Congressional Bicameral Conference Committee. The private sector workers have been waiting for the government to increase their salaries and wages. The people have been waiting for a crucial action to cushion the effects of skyrocketing prices of oil products, rice, and other commodities.
Tougher sanctions and penalties against rice hoarders and diverters should be imposed by Congress and the executive department. Farmers should be rescued from the clutches of profiteers who have been controlling the prices of rice during harvest season. I'm a grandson of a farmer and I'm very familiar with the mock "supply and demand" principle that prevails when the time comes for farmers to sell their harvests to middlemen and wholesalers. The supposed market-driven phenomenon is designed to take advantage of the farmers' immediate need to sell their products.
The producers of rice -- the farmers -- earn very little while the middlemen and traders, maximize their profits by buying palay (unhusked rice) at a very cheap price and sell them at much higher prices. Farmers are the classic example of producers who don't have control over the prices of their products.
