Pangasinan’s Provincial Health Office (PHO) on Tuesday told Pangasinenses to take precautions as rising temperatures could lead to heat-related diseases.

In a virtual forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency – Pangasinan, PHO medical officer Dr. Cielo Almoite said heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke that could lead to death are prevalent during the dry season.

“Avoid staying in the sun, especially from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the heat is at its highest,” Almoite said.

She added that staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also advisable to prevent heat-related diseases.

“Use an umbrella, cap, hat, or anything as a shield when going out. Wear lightweight clothes, such as those made of cotton,” she said.

Almoite also advised those with co-morbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes, to not forget their maintenance drugs as they are prone to heat-related diseases.

The PHO is also monitoring other conditions such as gastroenteritis, diarrhea, measles, and sore eyes.

Meanwhile, the weather bureau has been recording a high heat index in the province, with the highest so far at 42°C, registered on March 26

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council operations head Vincent Chiu said the high heat index would prevail in the coming days though localized thunderstorms may still happen.

“The high heat index is due to climate change,” he said.

Among the causes he cited are deforestation or the lack of trees to cool the atmosphere, water pollution, and the problem of waste management.

“The ocean acts as a sponge to absorb the heat of the sun. However, due to the pollutants on it, it now acts as a mirror making the climate hotter,” he said. (PNA)