Got this very useful information from the DOH health magazine HealthBeat.

Health authorities said we are left with no choice but to prepare for the ill effects of El NiÑo Phenomenon on health.

Since we are facing an imminent water shortage,  the public is advised to conserve water and use it wisely. Water containers must be kept clean and boiling of drinking water is necessary. Water sources like wells must be protected from contamination.

The public should be on the alert for Red tide blooms or an increase in number of organisms in seawater causing paralytic shellfish poisoning associated with El Nino Phenomenon.

Heed public warnings and ban on harvesting, selling and consumption of shellfish.

Disorders Associated with High Temperature (usually 32 degrees Celsius)

Take note of the following heat syndromes that usually affect old people and those staying in poorly ventilated places.

• Heat cramps – brief, intermittent, often excruciating cramping pain in muscles during strenuous physical activity.

• Heat exhaustion or prostration – causes weakness, fatigue, thirst, headache, nausea, and faintness which may precede collapse.

• Exertional heat injury – occurs among persons like athletes, exerting themselves in hot and humid temperatures.

• Heat stroke – is the most severe form which can lead to complications such as kidney failure to death.

Radiation

The sun’s rays contain ultraviolet (UV) radiation which at intense and prolonged exposure may lead to diseases of the eyes and skin and to a reduced ability of the body to combat infectious diseases.

Note: UV radiation at lower doses is important in the production of vitamin D in the body.

Prolonged exposure of the eyes to UV causes cataracts or lens opacification which may eventually lead to blindness; too much exposure of the skin to UV radiation result to sunburn after a few hours, which if sever enough, may result in blistering and destruction of the surface of the skin, similar to a first degree burn.

Prevention

• Increase fluid intake
• Wear light clothing
• Taking frequent baths
• and avoiding strenuous physical activity during hot weather.
• Limit outdoor activities to before 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when solar UV radiation is most intense.
• Wear sunglasses
• Wear  tightly woven or knitted fabrics like polyester and or cotton, and wide brimmed hats.