As the state weather bureau&nbsp;Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/pagasa-declares-dry-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">declared the start of the warm and dry season</a> in the Philippines last week, all of us are at risk of heat exhaustion due to the very hot or humid weather.&nbsp;
According to the Department of Health (DOH),&nbsp; <a href="https://doh.gov.ph/Health-Advisory/Heat%20Stroke#:~:text=Most%20severe%20form%20of%20heat,dehydration%20and%2For%20humid%20environment.&amp;text=Limit%20the%20amount%20of%20time%20you%20spend%20outdoors." target="_blank" rel="noopener">heat exhaustion may start </a>with the signs of warm and flushed skin, faintness or dizziness, weakness, and headache.
DOH warned that heat exhaustion may progress to a heat stroke. Common signs and symptoms of heat stroke are very high fever, convulsion, delirium, hot and dry skin, rapid heartbeat, and unconsciousness.&nbsp;
To prevent experiencing these, here are some tips you need to remember as per the health department's bulletin:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Stay&nbsp;hydrated and drink plenty of water</li>
<li>Avoid drinking flavored beverages such as tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol</li>
<li>Try to spend as little time as possible outside, especially when it is blazing hot</li>
<li>When you are outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat or a long-sleeved top</li>
<li>Do strenuous activities in the morning or evening when it's cooler</li>
</ul>
In case you witness someone experiencing heat exhaustion, the DOH advises doing the following measures:
<ul>
<li>Take the person indoors or to a shaded area, and have them lie down with their legs raised&nbsp;</li>
<li>If they&rsquo;re conscious, have them drink cold water</li>
<li>Remove their clothes then apply cold water to their skin and fan them</li>
<li>Apply ice packs to their body parts like armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin</li>
</ul>
After taking these measures, immediately rush the person to a nearby hospital.&nbsp;

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