Don't drink coffee on hot days

CEBU, Philippines — Local health authorities advised the public to avoid drinking liquor or coffee as these drinks can easily dehydrate the body.

Medical experts warn that severe dehydration may trigger heat stroke especially when patient had prolonged exposure under the sun’s heat.

Weather specialist Romeo Aguirre from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the hot weather may persist until the end of October.

The increasing heat is because of the dominant seasonal wind that is affecting the country’s temperature.

He explained that the easterlies, or the warm and moist air from the east or the Pacific, are currently prevailing in the country as wind direction is slowly transitioning towards the Northeast monsoon (Amihan).

Aguirre said Amihan may fully set in by the first half of November.

While the easterly winds dominate, weather specialists earlier cautioned the public that the heat index or the human discomfort index may peak at 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. Heat index refers to the temperature felt by the human body.

Medical officer Dr. Shelbay Blanco from the Department of Health-Region 7 said the average normal body temperature only ranges from 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius.

He said there is high probability that exceeding temperatures, especially when the person is exposed longer under the heat, can cause one to experience illnesses like heat stroke.

He said the safest drink would be water and by drinking it regularly, it can help the body to keep cool. He said people should lessen drinking liquor or coffee as it can stimulate dehydration.

Medical practitioner Dr. Eduardo Camalongay from the Cebu City Medical Center said the hospital’s emergency room receives an average of two to three patients a day that are suffering from stroke, either due to severe dehydration or due to hypertension.

He said stroke is one of the top 10 leading ailments that the hospital attends to.

He said heat stroke, in particular, is caused by severe dehydration but typically cases of which are manageable.

To avoid this illness, people are also discouraged from eating foods high in protein as it may increase metabolic heat.

As much as possible, public are advised to stay indoors but if they have to go outside, they can wear light colored clothing since these reflect the sun's energy. (FREEMAN)