THINK ON THESE – In the heat of the sun

Summer is just around the corner.  With El Niño still unleashing its havoc in nearby provinces, summer in Davao City is going to be extra hot. 
People are going to brace for more brownouts as more than half of the electricity source comes from hydropower. 
So, instead of going to the malls, people will soon be hitting the rivers, beaches, and resorts. 
But, wait, before you pack all your things for that summer trip, be sure to take necessary precautions against heat stroke.
“Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down,” said the Department of Health (DOH).
“When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 41⁰ Celsius or higher within 10 to 15 minutes,” the health department said.  “Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.”
The symptoms of heat stroke include: hot, dry skin or profuse sweating; hallucinations; chills; throbbing headache; high body temperature; confusion/dizziness; and slurred speech.
Dr. Raul V. Destura, an internal medicine and infectious disease specialist, says that people who experience heat stroke are sometimes thought of as “na-maligno” or under the control of a superficial creature when in fact, altered mental state or behavior is one of the symptoms of this illness.
“If it’s heat stroke, your skin is dry. If you’re over-exercised, you get a moist skin,” Dr. Destura pointed out.
Dr. William C. Shiel, Jr. in a medicine.net feature, symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes.
People with the following conditions are especially prone to heat stroke: alcoholism; chronic illnesses like heart disease; obesity; uncontrolled diabetes; Parkinson’s disease; use of certain medications such as diuretics and antihistamines; and use of some illegal psychoactive drugs.  Older people are more prone to heat stroke.
Those living in Davao City are most likely to suffer from heat stroke during a prolonged heat wave, particularly if there are stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. In what is known as the “heat island effect,” asphalt and concrete store heat during the day and only gradually release it at night, resulting in higher nighttime temperatures.
“Heat stroke is not an accident,” says Dr. Marilyn J. Heine, an ER physician and member of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. “Over the summer, we see too many cases of heat-related illness in the emergency room, but it’s a condition that generally can be prevented with a little effort and lots of common sense.”
Heatstroke, however, follows two less serious heat-related conditions: heat cramps and heat exhaustion. 
“Heat cramps are caused by initial exposure to high temperatures or physical exertion,” the Mayo Clinic informs. “Signs and symptoms of heat cramps usually include excess sweating, fatigue, thirst and cramps, usually in the stomach, arms or legs. This condition is common in very hot weather or with moderate to heavy physical activity. You can usually treat heat cramps by drinking water or fluids containing electrolytes, resting and getting to a cool spot, like a shaded or air-conditioned area.”
On the other hand, heat exhaustion occurs when you don’t act on the signs and symptoms of heat cramps and your condition worsens. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include a headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, skin that feels cool and moist, and muscle cramps. Often with heat exhaustion, you can treat the condition yourself by following the same measures used to treat heat cramps, such as drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages, getting into an air-conditioned area or taking a cool shower. If your symptoms persist, seek medical attention immediately.
Meanwhile, as heat is intense during the summer months, the health department issued these tips:
· Increase the amount of water or non-alcoholic drinks that you consume.  Drink before you feel thirsty.  Just a precautionary: if you have a limit on the amount of daily fluid intake or you are taking water pills, consult your physician.
· Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amount of sugar as they will cause you to lose more body fluids.
· Stay inside, when and if possible.  If you have access to air-conditioner, use it.  Electric fans do not provide relief from heat-related illnesses when temperatures are in the mid-30⁰Celsius and above.
· Take a cool shower or bath daily.
· Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
 
Should you be out there under the sun, do the following:
· Limit your outdoor activity to early morning and evening hours.
· Decrease your exercise activities.  Be sure to drink at least 2-4 glasses of cool liquids every hour while doing exercise.
· Whether you’re walking or running, frequently take breaks under shady areas.

Other ways of protecting yourself from the heat of the sun include using an umbrella or wearing hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.