Summer is in full swing in the Philippines. But while the abundance of sunshine signals inevitable beach days, it also brings the potential dangers of scorching heat. Don’t let your fun get sidelined by heat stroke or heat exhaustion! Here are some essential tips to keep you and your loved one safe this summer.

How to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion

Drink plenty of water: Drinking plenty of fluids helps regulate your body temperature. When you’re well-hydrated, you sweat more easily, which keeps you cool.

Avoid alcohol and too much sugar: Alcohol acts like a diuretic, making you pee more and lose fluids. Plus, it hinders your body’s ability to cool itself down. You should also avoid food high in sugar since these require more effort to digest and will generate more body heat.

Take cool showers: During a heatwave, cool showers provide relief. So would cold packs, towels, and foot baths.

Wear appropriate clothing: Opt for loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. A hat shields you from the sun’s rays; don’t forget your sunscreen.

Stay indoors: Find a spot with big windows to catch a breeze, or head inside an air-conditioned mall or building to beat the heat.

Be aware of your limits: Don’t push yourself too hard. Listen to your body’s signals. If you’re getting dizzy and weak, stop what you’re doing and find a shaded or cool place to sit down. Even better, plan your most intense activities for the cooler hours, like early mornings or evenings

Monitor children and elderly: These groups are more at risk for heat-related illness. Make sure they’re staying hydrated and cool.

Never leave children or pets in cars: Closed vehicles will heat up more quickly. Leaving kids or pets inside a closed, parked car can be deadly.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms

While heat exhaustion is less severe than heatstroke, both can be dangerous, especially during scorching temperatures. Here’s a quick guide to spotting the signs:

Heat exhaustion:

• Feeling tired, weak, dizzy
• Experiencing headaches
• Elevated temperature
• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Paleness
• Fainting

Heat stroke:

• Very high body temperature (40-degrees C)
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• No sweating
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness

How to treat heat stroke and heat exhaustion

If a person is showing signs of heat exhaustion, you can help cool their body down by:

• Moving them to a cool place
• Getting them to drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages (sports or rehydration drinks, cool water)
• Letting them rest
• Cooling their skin by spraying or sponging them with cool water and putting cold packs under their armpits, neck, and the backs of their knees

If symptoms worsen or persist for more than an hour, seek medical attention immediately. Heatstroke is a serious condition that requires professional treatment.

Stay safe this summer!

Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube, to be the first to know about the latest news and coolest trends!