Public urged to take precautions vs heat when visiting cemeteries

Local

WITH the prevailing El Niño, health officials in Central Visayas urged the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses as they visit cemeteries this weekend for Kalag-Kalag.

The Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-7) has advised cemetery visitors to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and take extra precautions if they have preexisting medical conditions.

Dr. Shelbay G. Blanco, medical officer of DOH-7’s Regional Health Emergency Management Systems Program, said the agency was anticipating possible health emergencies as people visit cemeteries and other crowded places amid the hot weather.

Blanco advised the public to avoid visiting cemeteries during the hottest hours of the day, particularly between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when exposure to intense heat could trigger health problems.

“If possible, visitors should avoid going out during the hottest part of the day and seek shaded areas when visiting cemeteries,” he said in a mix of Cebuano and English.

People were also advised to wear comfortable clothing and to bring protective items, such as hats and umbrellas, to shield themselves from the heat.

Blanco particularly cautioned people with hypertension, diabetes and other chronic illnesses, saying excessive heat could put additional stress on their bodies and cause complications.

Likewise, he urged those taking maintenance medication to continue taking their prescribed medicines and to minimize exposure to high temperatures.

Additionally, the public is encouraged to bring drinking water and stay hydrated throughout their cemetery visits to help prevent dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.

In the meantime, DOH-7 said it has started preparing health facilities across Central Visayas for the expected influx of people visiting cemeteries during All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2.

Blanco said DOH-7 had issued a regional circular placing government health facilities under Code White Alert from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.

Under the alert, hospitals and emergency rooms are expected to remain vigilant and prepare their personnel and resources to respond to a possible increase in patients.

The agency is also coordinating with local government units (LGUs) and local health facilities to mobilize medical teams in areas expected to draw large crowds.

Aside from heat-related illnesses, DOH-7 reminded the public to monitor advisories on haze and poor air quality, which could pose additional health concerns during the observance.

The agency also urged cemetery visitors to observe food and water safety, warning that consuming contaminated food or unsafe drinking water could cause diarrhea and other illnesses.

Blanco urged people to plan their visits, bring sufficient water and snacks, wear protective clothing and follow health advisories to reduce the risk of medical emergencies.

“What’s most important is that prevention is still worth a pound of cure,” Blanco said.(RBE)