Herbosa’s tips to stay safe from sweltering heat

A sun halo, which is called “mariyes” in Batanes, appears in the skyline of Itbayat town on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. The solar phenomenon happens during a transition from cool to warm, dry season heat. (Photo by NATHAN ALCANTARA)

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said Filipinos should take safety measures amid the scorching heat index in many parts of the country.

In a radio interview on Radyo 630 on Wednesday, Herbosa said people must “protect themselves” and take steps such as going to cool and shaded areas and drinking plenty of water.

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“Kung makakaalis kayo d’on, punta kayo sa loob ng bahay, sa ilalim ng puno. Magdala lagi ng payong, ng sumbrero at uminom ng maraming tubig,” Herbosa said.

(If you can leave those areas, go inside your house, under a tree. Bring an umbrella or a hat, and drink lots of water.)

The health secretary also warned that heat stroke could have negative effects on people in vulnerable sectors, such as small children and the elderly, those who are joining sporting events, and those who are working for long periods.

“Nakakamatay ang heat stroke. Yung mga mamamatay, siyempre, yung mga very vulnerable –  yung talagang very young, very old, at yung talagang extreme talaga ang exposure,” he noted.

(Heat stroke is deadly. Those at risk of death are the vulnerable persons – the very young ones, the very old, and those who have extreme exposure.)

“Yung kunwari nag-ii-sports, nagma-marathon ka in the heat of the sun, pwede ka talagang mag-collapse d’on. Ganoon din yung mga nagtatrabaho for long periods of time,” he pointed out.

(Let’s say one is involved in sports. You are in a marathon in the heat of the sun. You can really collapse there. That also applies to people who work for long periods.)

Meanwhile, Herbosa added that there is no scientific basis for the concept of “plasma,” a Filipino belief that adverse health effects may occur if a person is exposed to hot temperatures and suddenly goes to a cold environment.

“Wala pong scientific basis yun, siyempre. Of course, baka maapektuhan ang heart mo. Very important mag-cool down very slowly. Very important rin yon. Pero siyempre, masho-shock (ang) katawan mo kapag sobrang init, tapos sobrang lamig. Merong konting shock,” Herbosa said.

(That has no scientific basis, really. But of course, your heart may be affected. The heart must cool down very slowly. Your body may also be shocked if you suddenly go from a scorching environment to a very cold place. There’s a little shock.)

“In certain cases, pag ginawa yon, may effect talaga sa puso mo. Pero hindi naman talaga very dangerous. Much important is yung mag-cool down ‘pag na-expose sa masyadong mainit na environment,” he added.

(In some instances, if you do that, it will affect your heart. But that’s not dangerous. Cooling down is much more important if exposed to an extremely hot environment.)

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According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the heat index on Wednesday in eight areas in the country may reach temperatures of 42 to 44 degrees Celsius, which is classified in the “danger” category.

The eight areas are Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Bacnotan, La Union; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City and Aborlan in Palawan; Roxas City, Capiz; Guian, Eastern Samar; and Cotabato City, Maguindanao.