Climate change has indeed altered the weather pattern.
In the Philippines, summer has not yet been declared yet we are already experiencing sweltering heat.
In fact the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) acknowledged last week that we are experiencing a warmer period compared to last year. It noted that the temperature recorded last month was more than 36°C or 37°C, an indication we could experience a hot summer season, its onset to be declared later this month.
In the United States, it was reported that it experienced the warmest winter ever recorded in the mainland.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the so-called lower 48 US states recorded an average of 37.6°F (3.1°C) from December 2023 to February 2024, the highest since the 1890s. Even some states in the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast experienced their warmest winter.
Even Greece has been reported to have experienced its warmest winter at an average of 11.8°C.
With the warmer weather condition, the public should be wary of heat stroke — a medical condition wherein the body temperature reaches very high levels, 40°C and above, due to constant heat exposure.
The Department of Health (DOH) said heat stroke is usually in combination with dehydration and considered a medical emergency. It can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles if left untreated, the DOH warned.
Infants and children up to age 4 and adults over age 65 should take special precautions as they adjust to heat more slowly than those in other age groups.
The DOH cautioned those with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, mental illness, alcoholism, and those with fever as they are at high risk of suffering from heat stroke. Those taking diet pills, anti hypertensive medications, methamphetamines and anti-depressants are also at risk.
With temperatures rising to abnormal levels, it is crucial that we keep ourselves aware of the preventive measures against the risk associated with the warm weather phenomenon.
To avoid heat stroke, the DOH recommends the following: Drink lots of water (instead of iced tea, soda, coffee and alcoholic drinks), keep indoors, avoid long direct exposure to sunlight, and wear thin and loose and light-colored clothes.
In the event you notice symptoms or signs of heat stroke, apply ice packs to the patient’s armpits, groin and neck. These are the areas rich in blood vessels close to the skin. And cooling them may reduce body temperature.
Keep an eye on local health advisories. Prioritize your well-being and that of your loved ones.
Remember, prevention is better than cure.
During this warm weather, hydrate and always keep yourselves cool and healthy.