How to Protect Yourself from Extreme Heat

Over the past few weeks the whole of the Philippines was practically roasting, perhaps because it's an El Nino year or maybe because it's the new normal brought about by climate change.

This is how hot it felt like.

Either way, commuters can be very vulnerable to the heat when out and about during the day. Check out the following series of helpful infographics courtesy of the University of the Philippines (Organization of Novo Ecijanos). I also added additional tips for commuters at the bottom of the page:

Additional tips for commuters:

1. Avoid travelling during the hottest times of the day (11am to 5pm).
2. If you really must go out, use your umbrella or better yet make sure to walk on shaded spots when changing rides or heading to the loading/unloading zone. You may need to zigzag on the sidewalks to do this, but keep it within reason.
3. If there is no waiting shed in the loading/unloading zone, stand in the shadow of a post or signage while waiting for your ride. It's not much but it's still better than exposing yourself for a long time under the sun.
4. Drink water before going out and try to take some bottled water with you to sip regularly. Avoid diuretics like coffee before heading out into the heat because they will cause you to lose water faster.

All these tips are useful not just for summer but for travelling any time that the sun is out.

Stay safe!