Mauie Flores

With summer officially arriving here in the Philippines, I started to feel my palpitations again. My blood pressure has gone up, too, despite the fact that I shied away from meat because of the Lenten Season. I read that extreme hot weather can directly affect blood pressure and can cause heat stroke especially to children, senior citizens, and those with high blood pressure or heart disease. That's when I remember that my dad's latest stroke happened during the first week of May when it was very hot and humid here in the country.

Fight heat stroke this summer. Here are some things you can do:

• Hydrate. Drink more fluids except alcohol and drinks high in sugar. Water is your best option.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. Turn on the air-conditioner or stay in a place where there's air-conditioning at least during the hot hours (noon till 3PM).
• Don't stay in a closed parked vehicle. Do not leave infants, small children, and pets, too.
• Take cool baths at least twice in the day. I used to put blocks of ice in my pail of water because the water from the pipes can get hot, too.
• Wear light-colored and cotton clothes. Now is the time to wear sleveless tops and skimpy shorts.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Always have an umbrella handy.

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