SIZZLING KILLER

ANGELINA P. PEÑA

Charles Boalden once said that summer time is always the best of what might be. It is the most awaited season for everybody to have fun while enjoying the astonishing summer scenery. However, what if an awe-inspiring season becomes the worst experience for everybody? Especially when it comes to the health condition of people, the extreme heat has a negative effect on their health and bodies, as if they are being cooked and boiled in a large pot full of boiling water and slowly killing them with a burning flame. With this, maintaining the safety and health condition of every individual during the summer must take precedence over fun and anything else. Heat index pertains to the “apparent temperature” that human perceive. As the temperature rise during summer, the Philippines is currently experiencing a scorching heat, with state weather, bureau logging on April 21 the highest computed heat index this year of 48 °C which almost half of the boiling point of water. According to the GMA Integrated News Emil Sumangil reported on 24 Oras, the heat Index in several areas of the country rose to the “danger” level of 42-51 degrees celcius on Monday this alarming issuer is undeniably experience by fellow Filipinos who are in Aparri , Cagayan, Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Dagupan City, and Samar region that was recorded in the highest heat index of 44°C. Meanwhile, Tuguegarao City, Iba Zambales, some part of Batangas, Zamboanga City and Clark Airport in Pampanga experience a heat index of 42°C. This alarming rise of temperature during summer has cause a lot of concerns in the Filipinos, particularly worrying on their children’s health condition as the Department of Health (DOH) has so far recorded 145 cases of heat exhaustion among students in Occidental Mindoro. For that reason, a health advisory from DOH warned about the higher chances of contracting illness, such as heat cramps, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, when the index hits in extreme level. Summer is one of the perfect season to enjoy watching the bright sunlight that sprouts in the East. As days becomes longer, the blow of the wind also gets warmer. Despite the beautiful summer scenery and places that is perfect for summer vacation, people should not forget to take care of themselves. With this, everyone should practice preventive measures that will help to avoid the negative effect of the extreme temperature. As much as possible, people should drink plenty of water even they don’t feel-thirsty, wearing loose and light weight clothes and sunscreen would also help to prevent the body safe and healthy. The world is like human life. Everything that damage the nature will eventually affect the creatures including human therefore, everyone, especially youth should be the catalyst to open minds of every individual about the importance of nature. Planting more trees would contribute a great help to reduce the extreme heat temperature that people have been experiencing. Always remember that the modest action have the potential to turn the planet into more sustainable and equitable place

-oOoThe author is Head TeacherI /OIC at Vizal San Pablo National High School