COFFEE lovers and tea drinkers are advised to avoid or lessen their consumption during summer season.
Department of Health (DOH)-Davao head Dr. Annabelle Yumang said warm beverages could raise body temperature, which might attribute to heat stroke.
Yumang said heat stroke is one of the common illnesses during season, aside from sunburn, cough and colds, sore eyes, skin rashes, vomiting and irregular bowel movements, and rabies.
She said, among the drinks that the public should avoid drinking during hot days are tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol since these are diuretics, these food and drinks that induce the production of urine.
According to DOH, heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and cannot cool down.
DOH added the body cannot take off the excessive heat by sweating because of dehydration and/or humid environment.
Causes and risk factors are hot and humid weather, vigorous exercise in hot weather, dehydration, too much direct exposure to the sun and infants, the elderly, athletes, and individuals who work outside.
Yumang said persons with signs of heat stroke may experience the following conditions: warm and flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness, headache, very high fever of 41 degrees Celsius, rapid heartbeat, convulsion, and unconsciousness.
Meanwhile, she said that no heat stroke was reported to their agency. But she warned the public to take precautionary measures.
“Stay hydrated as always. Always drink eight to 12 glasses of water per day. And of course, always bring caps and umbrellas when going outside,” Yumang said.