By Liwayway Yparraguirre/Philippine News Agency
DAGUPAN CITY — The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 1 (Ilocos) is reminding residents of this city and the entire region to keep themselves hydrated and their bodies cool, as intense heat continues.
DOH Region 1 Director Valeriano Lopez, in an interview Thursday, said the DOH central office had expressed concern as the recorded heat index in Dagupan City has consistently been way above 40 degrees Celsius, more so with the summer festivities and outdoor events being held at different parts of Region 1.
“We have chosen Dagupan City for our intensified campaign against heatstroke because of this reason,” he said in an interview Thursday.
DOH Region 1, led by Lopez, conducted their information drive during the Bangus Festival’s main event, Kalutan ed Dalan, on Tuesday, where they distributed water and demonstrated how and where to place a wet towel.
They also reminded the people to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water every day, and protect themselves from the heat of the sun.
“Place the wet towel at the back of the neck. It will relieve us from the heat since our bodies could not function well if it is in high temperature. We need even a little cool to balance it. Otherwise, it will not be balance and this is the reason for heatstroke,” he explained.
Lopez further reminded the public to keep watch on diseases common during summer.
He said people should be cautious also against dengue, cough and colds, as these have become year-round problems.
“Cough and colds not only manifests during rainy season, but has become a year-round disease. Because of the change in temperature, we could easily get infected,” he said.
Lopez also said dengue is still prevalent during summer since many people gather water in containers due to low supply.
The containers with water could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) also gave these tips: “Stay indoors as much as possible, if air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine; wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.”
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