The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) reminded the public to take necessary precautions to avoid heat stroke as the dry season begins. “Hindi po biro ang heat stroke dahil maaari po 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 (Heatstroke is no joke as it may cause permanent brain damage and to other vital organs like the heart and kidneys, so let's avoid being under the sun for an extended period,” PhilHealth acting president and chief executive officer Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. said in a statement. The PhilHealth chief reminded the public that 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. According to the US 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 the core body temperature rises to 41°C or higher and the body is unable to cool down. Symptoms may include confusion, altered mental status, 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 po agad sa ospital ang sinumang nagpapakita ng sintomas ng heat stroke,” Ledesma said. “Bilang paunang lunas ay maaari po tayong mag-apply ng basang bimpo o tuwalya sa ulo, leeg, kili-kili at singit. Kung maaari ay bigyan din po ng cold water o ice bath ang pasyente upang mapababa ang kanyang body temperature (As a first aid for heatstroke, we can use a damp towel over the head and armpit. If possible, we can also give cold water or an ice bath to a patient to lower his body temperature),” he added.