DOH-7 warns public against risks of searing heat

Local

THE scorching days ahead aren’t just a summer inconvenience, they could also pose serious health risks.

With this, the Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH- 7) sounded the alarm on rising temperatures, urging the public to take swift action in preventing heat-related illnesses.

In Regional Circular No. 2025-0040 released on Friday, April 4, DOH-7 highlighted the dangers of prolonged exposure to extreme heat, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, digestive issues, asthma attacks, infections, and other potential health complications.

According to the circular, workers in high-temperature environments face a significantly increased risk of injury.

The risk of workplace injuries rises by 6 to 9 percent when temperatures exceed 32 degrees Celsius, and this jumps by 10 to 15 percent at 37 degrees Celsius or higher.

"Chronic conditions such as heart and kidney diseases are more likely among workers exposed to high temperatures over extended periods," the circular reads.

The department also raised concerns about how heat affects children's learning. Studies cited by DOH 7 show that a 0.56-degree Celsius increase in temperature during the school year leads to a 1 percent decline in learning efficiency.

In response, schools are taking action, including suspending face-to-face classes during extreme heat.

Salustiano Jimenez, regional director of the Department of Education-Central Visayas, confirmed that local schools have been directed to switch to blended learning if the heat index exceeds 44 degrees Celsius.

He also assured that all schools and division offices in the region had been given specific guidelines on heat-related precautions.

DOH 7 emphasized that this shift in learning modality not only protects individuals from extreme heat exposure but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions from commuting.

The circular also outlined recommended responses for various heat index levels. For heat indices above 52 degrees Celsius, all outdoor and physically demanding activities, including field trips and athletic events, should be canceled.

When the heat index falls between 42 degrees Celsius and 51 degrees Celsius, activities should be restricted for vulnerable individuals, with hydration breaks encouraged.

For moderate heat indices ranging from 33 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius, outdoor activities should be rescheduled to cooler hours, and additional rest periods should be provided.

Even with temperatures between 27 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius, participants should be closely monitored for heat illness, though activities may continue.

In addition to preventative measures, the circular provided guidelines for managing heat-related illnesses.

Heat exhaustion, characterized by an elevated body temperature of 38.3 to 40 degrees Celsius, excessive sweating, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness, can escalate into heat stroke, a life-threatening condition where body temperature exceeds 40.5 degrees Celsius, potentially causing seizures, confusion, and unconsciousness.

Affected individuals should be moved to a cooler environment immediately, with cooling measures such as ice packs, removing excess clothing, and using fans or misting devices.

In severe cases, prompt medical attention is crucial.

"Refer patients with severe signs of heat stroke to the next level of care immediately, applying rapid cooling measures before transferring," the circular advises.

The circular also offered preventive solutions, such as planting more trees, adding shade structures, applying reflective paint to roofs, and improving ventilation systems in schools and workplaces.

Employers are urged to schedule regular hydration breaks, provide shaded rest areas, and enforce protective clothing regulations.

Additionally, heat stress training programs for employees should be introduced to recognize early signs of heat-related illnesses.(MyTVCebu)