Don’t let common summertime health woes be part of your activities, here’s MakatiMed’s guide
It’s easy to see why the Philippines is a favorite vacation destination for foreigners and locals alike. Travelers are spoilt for choice with the range of beaches and resorts in a country blessed with over 7,100 islands and one famed as a biodiversity hotspot. If sand and sea are not your thing, head off high into the mountains, where stunning views and cool, crisp air are yours to enjoy. Even hanging around in the city for a luxury hotel staycation is a great option.
But summer comes with its share of seasonal health issues too, reminds the top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) Amado A. Flores, III, MD, Chair, Emergency Medicine Department, points out that “The scorching temperature is responsible for common heat-related illnesses. Vacation spots are also full at this time of the year, and with the volume of people using pools, playgrounds, camping sites, and other public areas, catching a communicable disease is almost inevitable.”
Mindfulness prevents these conditions from happening, but if they still do, MakatiMed encourages everyone to remember these treatments for summertime woes to help provide some quick relief.
Sunburn happens when you expose yourself in the sun too long, resulting in skin that is red, inflamed, and painful when touched. “Bathe or shower in cool water,” Dr. Flores directs. “When you finish, gently pat yourself dry with a towel but leave a little water on your skin. Slather on some moisturizing lotion to trap the water in your skin and prevent dryness.”
If your sunburn is so bad that you develop blisters, leave them alone. A blister is an indication of a second-degree sunburn. Popping it could lead to an infection, according to MakatiMed, and is best left to heal on its own. To prevent future sunburns, apply sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 every two hours, especially if you swim or sweat a lot.
Prickly heat refers to the small, raised red rashes on the skin caused by a combination of hot and humid weather, sweating and tight clothes. They usually develop on the neck, shoulders, chest, back, armpits, elbow creases, and groin. Dr. Flores advises “A cool bath or shower should ease any itchiness and irritation. Stay in cool areas, wear loose clothing, and avoid scratching the rash. Calamine lotion, 1% hydrocortisone cream, or a prescription cream can help lessen the itchiness and swelling.”
Heat exhaustion occurs from over-exerting yourself in hot and humid weather, causing your body temperature to rise. Symptoms of the potentially life-threatening condition include heavy sweating, elevated body temperature, dehydration, nausea, dizziness, weakness and headache. “If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler spot, loosen their clothing, give cold water to drink, and apply a cold compress or take a cool bath,” Dr. Flores says. Symptoms that progress to confusion, seizures or unconsciousness suggest a heat stroke and need immediate medical attention.
Food poisoning is common during the summer because bacteria thrive and multiply faster in warm weather. Preparing food at picnic grounds, beach resorts or other outdoor places only increases the risk of exposure to germs. Diarrhea, vomiting, and fever that manifest hours or even minutes after eating contaminated food are telltale signs. “Fluid and electrolyte replacement help resolve food poisoning and prevent dehydration,” Dr. Flores explains.
Prevent food poisoning by consuming food immediately after cooking. Also, keep leftovers in the fridge or cooler and reheat before eating. MakatiMed advises to further remind family members and friends to wash their hands before and after handling food or eating with their hands. And, don’t drink water from unsanitary sources.
Dr. Flores’s final words for everyone looking forward to their summer adventures, “Being aware and prepared will help ensure that you make the most out of your vacation, and fully enjoy what the warm season has to offer.”
For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.
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