How to Stay Healthy This Summer

How to Stay Healthy This Summer

Take the following necessary precautions to prevent heatstroke and heat exhaustion, which according to the Department of Health (D.O.H.) are prevalent during hot temperatures:
1. Drink plenty of water and/or other beverages like fruit juices and fortified drinks which provide additional vitamins, especially vitamin C. 2. Wear comfortable light clothes, a cap or hat, or use an umbrella; and (3) Avoid staying too long under the sun. Be wary of food poisoning and diarrhea which are food borne illnesses common during the summer season. To preven these illnesses, take the following actions: 1. Eat clean and safe food. Food is safe if it is clean and free from biological, biochemical or physical contaminants in amounts or levels that may present a hazard to health. 2. Drank safe water. Water is safe if it is clean or has not been contaminated by dirt, bacteria, and parasites. If water quality is doubtful, boil water by bringing it to a vigorous rolling boil and keep it boiling for ten to twenty minutes. 3. Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash hands before and after eating. It is also recommended that you clean the inside of your fingernails. One recommended way to ensure that you clean your hands thoroughly is to state slowly twice the alphabet. 4. Practice environmental hygiene and sanitation. 5. Clean and sanitize the food preparation area and also practice pest control. 6. Practice safe food storage, handling, preparation and service. Obtain food only from known safe sources. Wash hands repeatedly while preparing and serving foods. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Cook food thoroughly and eat it immediately. Refrigerate leftover foods and reheat thoroughly before serving. For more information on food and nutrition, write or call: The Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila; Tel/Fax: 837-2934; 837-3164; Trunkline: 837-2071 to 82; local 2296 or 2280; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph