DOH: Drink water, not coffee, amid extreme heat

MANILA, Philippines — Rising temperatures in the country have prompted the Department of Health (DOH) to advise the public to avoid drinking coffee and alcoholic drinks, but instead drink water to avoid dehydration.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said avoiding coffee and alcoholic drinks could protect one from suffering heat stroke.

Dangerous levels of heat this summer could lead to heat exhaustion, and eventually, heat stroke, health officials have warned.

The DOH has directed all government hospitals and other health facilities to implement strategies addressing the high temperature.

Among these strategies is the establishment of cooling centers and hydration stations.

The DOH said cooling centers are airconditioned or well-ventilated areas close to public transport routes that are accessible to the general public, with priority to the elderly, young children, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.

Hydration stations will make clean and safe drinking water continuously available to the public in all DOH facilities, especially during the anticipated peak hot hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Herbosa has advised the public to wear light-colored and loose clothing and avoid sun exposure during peak hours.