Filipinos should have their water bottles and sunblocks ready especially when outside as the dry season has begun, the Department of Health said Thursday.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that people constantly drinking water amid the dry season would help them steer clear of illnesses such as heat stroke.
“When summer comes, our constant reminder to the people is always about dehydration. Always drink water and avoid excessive exposure to the heat of the sun because it may cause heat stroke or heat exhaustion” he said.
State weather bureau PAGASA announced on Wednesday the formal start of the dry season in the country.
Duque stressed that the elderly were more prone to dehydration as they already lack thirst sensation.
“Their thirst sensitivity is not like ours or that of the children who could easily determine when they are thirsty. The elderly have difficulty feeling thirsty, so even when they are dehydrated, they would still not ask for water,” he said.
“The family members should thus offer or give them water themselves. Take the glass of water directly to your grandparents or your old aunt or uncle to avoid dehydration which may cause many complications,” he said.
He said people could also boil water for three minutes to make sure that they are clean and safe to drink to avoid typhoid fever, cholera, Hepatitis A, or other diseases.
Duque said sunburn could also be averted if those engaging in outdoor activities would instead go out early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Using an umbrella and applying liberal amounts of sunblock would also do the job.
“Don’t go out from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and if this can’t be avoided, make sure to apply sunblock,” Duque added.