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DAYRIT WARNS VS. FOOD-BORNE DISEASES THIS SUMMER 11 April 2001 |
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The Department of Health (DOH) today warned the public against food and water-borne diseases (such as diarrhea, cholera, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever) and to take extra precautionary measures in eating foods during summer, specially this Holy Week. "Several food and water-borne outbreaks have been traced to street food. To avoid getting sick. people should buy hot food hot and cold foods cold," Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit declared. It is also advisable to check cooked food before eating as the summer heat can easily spoil these, he added. Improper food preparation and storage enhances the growth of disease-causing organisms which result to food poisoning and other food and water-borne illnesses Fruits are safe from bacterial contamination when bought unpeeled and without damage to the skin. These should be washed and peeled properly before eating. "The usual sanitary practices done at home, such as washing of hands before eating and after using the toilet, and covering left-over food properly will help a lot in preventing food end water-borne diseases during vacations," Dayrit reminded. When traveling to or visiting other places, make sure that your drinking water is safe. If possible, bring your own drinking water The health chief also stressed that bottled beverages, softdrinks, and fruit juice in tetra packs are safer thirst quenchers than any drink whose sources are unknown or questionable . People should also be wary about the tendency to overeat as this could contribute to possible diarrhea. Always keep a packet of oral rehydration solution or tablets ready as part of the first aid kit. |
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The Department of Health (DOH) today advised the public to avoid being under the sun for too long to prevent heatstroke and to drink extra iced water if there is excessive sweating as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed that there is an ongoing "heat wave" in some Luzon and Visayas provinces. The best remedy to a hot weather is to stay indoors if possible and to drink plenty f cold water or fruit juices to fight heat stroke and heat exhaustion," Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit said. According to the PAGASA, the high temperature mark in Manila reached 35 degrees Celsius in the past few days. However, it also noted that the summer heat is expected to last only until early next month. The immense heat prompted the DOH to advise the public. especially mothers, to take necessary precautions as heat stroke and heat exhaustion are common during hot temperatures. Health experts describe heat stroke as an illness caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Its signs and symptoms include sudden dizziness, weakness, faintness, headache, high body temperature of 38.9C without sweating, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps, and dark yellow or orange urine. On the other hand, heat exhaustion is loss of body fluids from sweating and failing to drink enough replacement fluids. Its risk factors include sweating and inadequate fluid intake, recent illness involving fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea, and exercising or working in a hot environment. Both conditions should be seen by a doctor. Dayrit identified those working in construction, roofing, road maintenance, steel mills, underground mining, smelting and foundry operations, bakeries and restaurants as most exposed to hot environmental conditions. To prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion, the health chief advised the public to wear loose-fitting, cotton shirts, stay indoors if possible, improve ventilation and promote sweat evaporation by opening windows, using fans or air conditioners. Also, drink extra fluids to replace those lost during sweating and take foods rich in potassium such as orange juice and bananas. |
