Even before the onset of the Hot and Dry season, parts of the Philippines have already been experiencing hot weather conditions.
That’s why we need to learn how to protect ourselves from the heat, especially those who are at greater risk during this season. These include elderly people aged 65 and above, infants, young children, people who are overweight, with chronic diseases, with mental illness, and even healthy individuals undergoing strenuous physical activities during the hot months. They are the most vulnerable to heat-related incidents as high temperatures can affect the body’s ability to release heat and properly cool down.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Being exposed to high temperatures and inadequate intake of water can result to heat exhaustion. Water depletion and salt depletion are two types of this illness. Although this is not as serious as heat stroke, heat exhaustion is not to be taken lightly as it may progress to heat stroke if left untreated.
Warning Signs:
• Dehydration, intense thirst
• Warm, flushed skin
• Dizziness or fainting
• Weakness or discomfort
• Anxiety
• Headache
• Fatigue
HEAT STROKE
The most serious of heat-related illnesses, heat stroke occurs when the body overheats and is unable to cool down.
This is a life-threatening emergency that may cause permanent disability or worse, death, if medical assistance is not immediately provided.
Warning Signs:
• Very high fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Convulsion
• Delirium
• Unconsciousness
HEAT CRAMPS
Individuals, who remain physically active in hot weather, engaging in activities such as exercise, sports, and extensive manual labor, are vulnerable to heat cramps. These are intermittent, involuntary muscle spasms, and are often associated with dehydration.
Most cases occur in the thigh and leg areas, the core and arm muscles during or after exerting effort in a hot environment.
Warning Sign:
• Muscle spasms that are painful, involuntary, intermittent and may be more intense that the typical muscle cramps
PRICKLY HEAT
Prickly heat or bungang araw is a skin condition characterized by tiny bumps or water blisters that appear due to the clogging of sweat glands during hot and humid weather.
Its most common locations are the forehead, upper back and chest, armpits, and groin areas.
Warning Signs:
• Prickly sensation
• Red bumps or rashes on the skin
• Mild swelling of the affected part
SUNBURN
The most obvious result of staying under the sun for too long is sunburn. It is the term used for reddish, irritated and sometimes, painful skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. It may vary from mild to severe, the extent depending on skin type, amount of exposure to the sun, and the sun’s intensity.
Warning Signs:
• Reddening of the skin
• Development of blisters
• Fever or chills
• Nausea
• Headache
• Weakness
• Itchiness
• Peeling skin
SORE EYES
Another health woe during this season is sore eyes. Also known as conjunctivitis, this is characterized by redness and inflammation of the membranes in the eyes.
It can spread through direct contact with hands contaminated with eye secretions of an infected person, or through other things contaminated with the virus. This can also be acquired by swimming in poorly chlorinated pools.
Warning Signs:
• Watery to pus-like discharge
• Redness of the eye with pain and/or itchiness
• Eyelids stuck together upon waking up
Vacation time, coupled with hot weather conditions, is perfect for different types of outdoor activities. But remember to keep cool and use common sense so you stay healthy during the hottest days of the year.
Here are important tips to prevent heat-related woes:
• Drink plenty of water and replace the salts lost through perspiration.
• Avoid intake of tea, coffee, soda and alcohol to lessen chance of dehydration.
• Schedule rigorous physical activities at the beginning or the end of the day when it’s cooler.
• Take a bath every day.
• Wear light and loose clothing.
• Limit exposure to the sun.
• Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to avoid sunburn prior to going out. Reapply it during the day.
• Adjust to the environment; pace yourself and take it easy.
• Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car.
• Stay up-to-date with weather reports to gauge how long you can stay out in the sun.
Sources:
National Center for Health Promotion
Department of Health
This rainy season, eat your way to better health! Learn how you can boost your immune system in five delicious ways.
Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mattmendoza/4069052407
The rainy season, also known as the cough-and-colds season, is a challenge for people of all ages, health-wise. Though there are no conclusive studies that prove that the weather itself lowers our resistance to viruses and bacteria, some scientists believe that the cold weather encourages people to stay indoors. In this close proximity with other human beings, sicknesses become easily transmittable.
To protect yourselves, you need to have a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating, not only food that’s fresh and safe, but also the right kinds of food. Here are five foods to help you fight those nasty diseases.
1. Chicken Soup
It’s not only good for the soul, but also for your health. Aside from the obvious fact that a bowl of hot soup can warm you up, chicken, while being cooked, releases a type of amino acid that chemically resembles a bronchitis drug called acetylcysteine. If you’re craving a heavier version, whip up a pot of arroz caldo that doesn’t only give you your fill of carbs, but also ginger, believed to break down toxins in the lungs and sinuses to help you breathe easier, and onions and garlic—both natural antiseptics and immunity boosters.
2. Vitamin C-Rich Munchies
Vitamin C, which reduces cold symptoms by 23%, can be found in abundance in local citrus fruits such as calamansi and dalandan. You’d be surprised that other foods such as red bell pepper, papaya, tomatoes and broccoli also have high amounts of this antioxidant!
3. Fish and Shellfish
We’re lucky to be surrounded by the ocean so we have our bounty of seafood. Shellfish such as clams, oysters and crabs aids white blood cells in producing a kind of protein that help rid the body of flu viruses. (Just watch out for red tide season!) Meanwhile, omega-3 fats reduce inflammation, protecting lungs from respiratory infections. For your omega-3 fix, stock up on tuna, tanigue, tulingan, tawilis and dilis.
4. Probiotics
Probiotics are the good bacteria that make sure that your intestinal tract remains healthy and free from disease-causing germs. You can get these from yogurt and other food products. Just check the labels to see if they contain probiotics, particularly the bacteria called Lactobacillus reuteri, which block the multiplication of viruses that attack the body.
5. Water
People aren’t kidding when they say that water is life. Water is a cure-all for all sorts of sicknesses. It keeps your body hydrated, giving you the boost to fight those viruses. It also gives you an internal cleansing, washing away the toxins, released through waste products. Drink as much water as you can everyday—go beyond the required eight glasses!
There you have it—5 super foods to help you get through the rainy season. But before you dig in, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This prevents another disease common during the rains—the dreaded diarrhea!
Sources:
http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/power-foods-boost-immunity
http://www.health.harvard.edu/flu-resource-center/how-to-boost-your-immune-system.htm
http://www.doctoroz.com/slideshow/boost-your-immunity-naturally
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/37856647/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/t/eat-killer-immunity/
We monitor the weather not only to plan our activities, but also to protect our health. Along with the rains comes a downpour of diseases, ranging from easily curable to downright deadly. Here are some of the rainy season-related illnesses and the smart ways to avoid them.
1. Dengue fever
An acute viral infection acquired from the bite of a female Aedes aegypti mosquito at daytime. Aside from four dengue viruses, this mosquito also transmits chikungunya and yellow fever. Anyone can get dengue, but this fatal disease usually affects infants and children in tropical and subtropical countries. Symptoms include the sudden onset of high fever that may last from two to seven days, joint and muscle pains, skin rashes, nose bleeding, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
2. Leptospirosis
A bacterial infection from rodents and other vermin. This is commonly transmitted through rodent bites, ingestion of contaminated food and exposure to flood with urine or feces of infected animals. Apart from open wounds, the bacteria also enter the system through the eyes, nose and mouth. Fever, muscle pain, headache and reddish eyes are some of its symptoms.
3. Cholera
A serious intestinal infection transmitted by consuming food or drinking water filled with Vibrio cholerae, a bacterium usually found in human waste. This causes watery diarrhea and vomiting, leading to severe dehydration.
4. Influenza
Also known as flu, it’s a viral infection affecting those with weak immune systems. This affects the respiratory system and triggers chills, fever, sore throat, runny nose, coughs and fatigue.
5. Hepatitis A
An ancient disease in the liver known to be very infectious. This can be transmitted through food and water contaminated with feces and urine from an infected patient. Abdominal discomfort, tiredness, dark urine and fever are signs, among others, but symptoms in children tend to be so mild that they may go unnoticed.
6. Typhoid
An acute illness caused by Salmonellae typhi bacteria from the fecal waste of a carrier. Infected people suffer from poor appetite, headaches, diarrhea and lethargy. This disease has been a public health issue in developing countries.
7. Cold and Cough
A viral infection that makes nose and throat inflamed and vulnerable to bacteria. If these become severe, they might lead to serious infections such as sinusitis, ear infections and bronchitis.
8. Scabies
A contagious skin infection causing severe itching and allergic reactions after a tiny parasite called mite Sarcoptes scabiei has bitten into the skin. It is transmittable through direct skin contact.
9. Athlete’s Foot
A fungal and transmittable infection marked by a flaky, red rash that cracks and causes sores in the feet. Sweaty shoes are the breeding ground of this infection, but it can also be acquired through contaminated swimming pools and floodwater.
TIPS TO PREVENT THESE DISEASES
Maintain cleanliness. Proper and frequent hand washing is a must, especially before eating your meals and after using the toilet. It is also important to observe proper disposal of garbage and maintain the cleanliness of comfort rooms.
Always bring an umbrella. An umbrella protects you from the weather, rain or shine.
Use mosquito repellants. Aside from applying repellant, you can also wear long sleeves, pants and socks before going out of the house and before sleeping.
Dress according to the weather. Use a jacket if the weather is cold and rainy to avoid common colds and flu.
Dispose of stagnant water. Remove stored rainwater in old tires, cans, water containers, jars, bottles and other items that collect water. Replace the water in flower vases once a week, and cover water drums and pails to prevent mosquitos from breeding.
Get a flu vaccine. Guard yourselves and be protected from different illnesses preventable by vaccination.
Eat healthy. Having a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about doing regular exercise; it also means eating nutritious food. During rainy days, it’s important to boil drinking water and eat foods that are properly prepared. Cover food containers and store them in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Avoid crowded places. If going out is necessary, wear a facemask or cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief in crowded places to avoid getting viruses.
Do not cross or swim in floodwater. Avoid making contact with flooded areas especially when you have an open wound. If it’s necessary to cross floodwaters, wear boots and thoroughly clean your body afterwards.
Consult a doctor. It is important to bring the patient to the nearest hospital or health center to consult his or her symptoms.