Pols on stump urged to ‘chill’

Health Secretary Janette Garin INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

AS THE election season sizzles along with the summer heat, the Department of Health Sunday reminded candidates on the campaign trail to make time to “chill,” especially when the sun is at its highest to avoid heat stroke and other problems.

Health Secretary Janette Garin suggested candidates could schedule activities early or at the end of the day when temperatures are cooler and to take a break between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest.

Those attending campaign rallies and other outdoor events were also urged to take the necessary precautions when out in the sun.

“[Staying indoors] between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., if possible, will be good because this is the peak of ultraviolet radiation,” Garin said in an interview with reporters.

“Schedule heavy-duty activities in the morning or late afternoon when it is cooler,” she added.

Heat stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes the body’s temperature-regulating mechanism to shut down when exposed to extremely high temperatures.

It is characterized by nausea, vomiting, flushed skin, headache and confusion. Failure to act promptly on the initial signs of heat stroke could lead to complications, including organ damage, shock, seizure, coma, brain damage and death.

Last week, the weather bureau warned of higher temperatures in the coming weeks due to the prevailing El Niño, as it recorded on Friday the hottest day yet in Metro Manila this year at 35.7 degrees Celsius.

The highest temperature recorded so far was in General Santos City at 38.6 degrees Celsius on March 1.

A persisting ridge of high pressure extending over northern Luzon and easterly winds affecting the eastern section of southern and Central Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao will bring fair weather to the country, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Garin said that if outdoor activities could not be avoided, candidates and their followers should take precautions against heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Jocelyn R. Uy