With the onset of the dry season, the PhilHealth advised the public to take necessary precautions to avoid heat stroke.
“Hindi biro ang heat stroke dahil maaari itong magdulot ng permanent damage sa utak at iba pang vital organs tulad ng puso at kidneys, kaya iwasan po sana nating magbababad sa init,” PhilHealth acting president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. said in a release on April 2.
He advised the public to avoid drinking hot beverages like coffee and tea when the weather is too hot.
“Ugaliin din nating uminom ng tubig para hindi tayo ma-dehydrate,” he added.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment.
Heat stroke occurs when core body temperature rises to 41 degrees Celsius or higher and the body is unable to cool down.
Symptoms may include confusion, altered mental status and slurred speech; loss of consciousness; hot, dry skin or profuse sweating; seizures; and very high body temperature.
“Those with the highest risk for heat stroke are the elderly, the very young, and people with chronic diseases. Dalhin agad sa ospital ang sinumang nagpapakita ng sintomas ng heat stroke,” Ledesma said.
Ledesma reminded the public the state insurer covers confinement for heat stroke, sunstroke and heat exhaustion at P6,500, including P4,550 for hospital fees, and P1,950 for professional fees.
“Bilang paunang lunas ay maaari tayong mag-apply ng basang bimpo o tuwalya sa ulo, leeg, kili-kili at singit. Kung maaari ay bigyan din ng cold water o ice bath ang pasyente upang mapababa ang kanyang body temperature,” he said. – PNA
April 16, 2024
