Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Feel The Beat of Summer Heat

Who said protecting yourself from heat stroke should stop you from enjoying summer? But a 77 year old man was found dead in an eggplant garden in Aliputos, Numancia, Aklan on Tuesday, May 7. Authorities suspect the man is a victim of extreme heat. 

You don’t have to stay indoors, but the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines urges precautions.

“They should limit the amount of time that they spent outdoor especially from 12 noon to 3 p.m.,” said Rustico Jimenez, president of Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAP).

But if you really have to go out, make sure you’re armed with umbrellas or hats and also avoid wearing dark-colored clothing.

You also might want to carry a bottle of water, as Rustico noted that keeping the body hydrated is key in the prevention of heat stroke.

“If the ideal water intake daily is eight glasses, it should be increased during summer,” Jimenez said.

Heat stroke occurs when the body is unabile to cool the body down through by sweating amid extreme heat, humidity and exposure to the sun.

Symptoms include flushed skin, dizziness, weakness, headache, fever and rapid heartbeat. Heat stroke can also be fatal if left untreated.

Jimenez reiterated the Health department’s calls to guard against heat stroke, amid an increasing trend in the number of reported cases.

At least five to 10 heat stroke patients have sought medical attention in hospitals a day since last March, Jimenez said.

“Many of them are out-patients. They are sent home after they are rehydrated,” said Jimenez. 

What DENR Asks Candidates To Do

Trees may not be counted as voters, but they still deserve respect, especially from those seeking elective government positions. And trees were respected during this May 2013 election campaign.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje last month urged candidates to avoid nailing or tacking posters on trees during the campaign for the 2013 polls.

In Aklan, candidates spare the trees without using it as poster areas. A few trees however was abused.

“We are calling on all well-meaning candidates to spare the trees of campaign materials and use only the common poster areas designated by the Commission on Elections,” Paje said in a statement.

His appeal came only days after the official campaign period for local elections started March 29. The campaign period for the national polls has meanwhile started since Feb. 12.

Posters, streamers and other campaign paraphernalia should not be attached to trees. Paje advises candidates to instead put up poles for these purposes.

“We will not get tired of reminding the public that trees are also living creatures; they could get hurt or sick from infection... Worse, they could die if left untreated for a long time,” Paje said.

This, as he touted the role of trees in providing oxygen, food and homes for humans and animals, as well as reducing air pollution and soil erosion.

The Environment department has also signed a joint memorandum circular with Comelec and the Interior and Local Government department to ensure propert waste management during the campaign.

The document aims to push for candidates’ adherence to Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act even during the campaign period.

“Through this garbage-free campaign, we hope to minimize and properly manage the volume of garbage from campaign materials during the national and local elections,” Environment Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh said.

Sanctions will be imposed against candidates and groups who violate the joint circular, using the penalties provided under the Local Government Code and RA 9003, among others.

Civil society, youth groups and private individuals have also been encouraged to report violations to the concerned agencies.

Groups have earlier called on candidates to mount “garbage-free” election campaigns by refraining from using leaflets, pamphlets, posters, stickers, decals, plastic and tarpaulin streamers.

Politicians have also been urged to immediately conduct cleanup drives for their campaign materials after the May 13 elections.

“We also hope that candidates will come up with meaningful platforms integrating sustainable solutions to the chronic garbage, toxic, disaster and livelihood woes facing many of our communities,” EcoWaste Coalition had said. /MP