8 Things You Didn’t Know

Extreme Heat Can Cause

to Your Health

By 8List

Summer season is almost over, but in a tropical country like ours temperatures remain high most months of the year. And the seasons in the Philippines are increasingly becoming unpredictable throughout the years. In this year’s summer season, the Department of Health advised the public to take certain precautions with the increasing number of heat stroke cases in the country.

Here are 8 things we sun-crazed Pinoys should know that the heat can cause to our health:

8. Mood Swings

Research revealed that heat waves are related to more violent behavior and aggression, at the same time, high humidity affects sleepiness and lack of energy. According to Nancy Molitor, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry and behavioral science at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, about 1 or 2 percent of people experience a summer version of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is being anxious mostly throughout the season.

7. Heat rash

If you see red bumps on your skin that feels prickly, that may be a heat rash. When the skin’s sweat glands are blocked and the sweat produced couldn’t evaporate, it reddens the skin resulting to a rash. Transferring to a cool area can make these red spots fade, when the skin is finally able to breathe.

6. Severe Sunburn

A sunburn may seem like nothing but a normal discomfort after a summer beach trip, but when serious symptoms occur like headache and fever, it’s possibly a severe sunburn or sun poisoning. Largely caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat and failure to apply sun protection, severe sunburn can also cause skin redness and blistering. You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve the pain, along with water or sports drinks. If the symptoms persist, however, seek medical help as soon as possible.

5. Cramps

Sweating releases certain fluids in the body, including salt. Heat cramps occur when the body releases too much salt, resulting to salt imbalance. The abdomen, arms and calves are the body parts most likely to experience cramps, and they will go away once you regain the number of electrolytes your body needs.

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