Helpful tips to prevent heat-associated ailments during summertime

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MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) issued on Wednesday a health advisory to guide the public in avoiding diseases and ailments associated with the summer heat.

These include food poisoning, diarrhea, heat stroke and other ailments including sports-associated injuries during summertime which are usually prevalent from March until May every year.

Summer vacation are also months of community fiestas in the Philippines where family members, relatives and friends gather together usually in outdoor activities or visit tourism areas across the country.

The DOH advised that is important to take note of the following precautions:

— Cook food properly and preferably consumed immediately.

— Refrigerate and properly reheat leftover food before eating.

— Wash hands before and after preparing food.

— Avoid preparing food for others when you are sick.

— Avoid drinking water and iced beverages of doubtful quality.

— If water quality is doubtful, boil drinking water for at least 2 minutes.

— Peel and wash fruits/vegetables before consumption. Wash hands before and after eating.

— Do not allow children to swim without the company of an adult who can swim and is not drunk.

— Avoid staying under the sun with scanty clothes for more than 3 hours to prevent sunburn, heat exhaustion, and worst, heat stroke.

— Should you want a tan, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

— Bring a repair kit and check if vehicles are roadworthy before going on a trip.

— Never attempt to drive when drunk.