Beating the Heat: How Mabini Health Station Keeps the Community Healthy
The upgraded interiors and improved ventilation at Mabini Health Station ensure that patients can wait for their consultations away from the harsh summer heat.
Summer in the Philippines is a time many look forward to. However, rising temperatures also come with health risks that should not be overlooked.
Even as summer brings scorching heat, the healthcare workers at Mabini Health Station continue to serve the community without pause. Day after day, they attend to patients, provide guidance, and respond to health concerns.
Healthcare workers at the station report an increase in heat-related conditions during peak summer months. “During peak summer season, the usual cases we handle at the center are heat exhaustion, dehydration, and hypertensive urgency,” Dr. Roma Sayson shared.
A doctor monitors an infant’s vitals. Healthcare staff at the station urge parents to watch for warning signs like rapid breathing or weakness in their children during high-temperature days.
The station’s nutrition scholar, Kimberly Peralta, also notes cases of hypertension, dehydration, and skin rashes, particularly among children.
These cases show that extreme heat can affect anyone. Even young, active individuals may experience health issues when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods.
The question is, how can we avoid these?
Mabini Health Station recommends practical steps to protect your health during the summer:
Stay hydrated. Water is the most effective way to replace fluids lost through sweating. Dr. Sayson advises choosing water over sugary drinks, which can actually increase thirst.
Allow your body to adjust. After spending time outdoors, rest for 10 to 15 minutes before taking a shower or entering an air-conditioned room. This helps your body adapt gradually to temperature changes.
Protect yourself outdoors. Bring an umbrella, wear sunscreen, and stay in shaded areas whenever possible. For April Joy Ungod, a young expectant mother, shares that carrying water, an umbrella, and sun protection has become part of her daily routine. She emphasizes that for expectant mothers, it is “importante po ‘yun na ma-hydrate palagi,” and staying out of the sun is key.
Plan activities wisely. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for early morning. Mabini Health Station recommends avoiding exposure after 9:00 AM, when temperatures begin to rise sharply.
When to Seek Help
Pay attention to warning signs such as dizziness, weakness, or rapid breathing. If these occur, rest in a shaded area and seek medical attention, if necessary. Immediate action can prevent serious health complications.
A More Comfortable Space for the Community
Quality care for the youngest members of the community: Regular check-ups at the station help prevent serious health complications before they start.
With the help of SM Foundation, Mabini Health Station continues to provide essential maternal services in a professional, well-equipped clinical setting.
A comfortable and accessible healthcare facility plays a vital role during the summer months, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and young adults. With temperatures rising, seeking medical care can become physically exhausting.
With support from SM Foundation, Mabini Health Station has been upgraded to better serve patients. Improvements include air conditioning units, tinted windows, and enhanced interiors.
Dr. Sayson shares that the upgraded Mabini Health Station has become a “safe space para puntahan ng mga patient,” adding that it is now “mas patient-friendly… hindi na sila mai-intimidate na pumasok… mas inviting siya.” This is particularly important as the facility continues to handle cases of hypertension, dehydration, and skin conditions among children. “Mas less stress ‘yung summer season para sa aming healthcare workers at sa aming mga patient,” Dr. Sayson adds.
Peralta also highlights that even younger individuals are not immune to heat-related risks, recalling instances where extreme temperatures, combined with lifestyle factors, have led to serious conditions.
For community members like April, having a cool and comfortable facility nearby is essential. The improvements at Mabini Health Station make visits more manageable, especially during peak heat hours. As Peralta shares, both patients and staff have felt the difference, noting that the cooler environment has made the center more conducive for care.
SM Foundation aims for accessible healthcare for all: The streamlined pharmacy services at the station ensure that families can quickly get the treatments they need to stay healthy this season.
Staying healthy this summer depends not only on personal habits but also on having safe, supportive spaces where healthcare is accessible. With the dedication of Mabini Health Station staff and the support of SM Foundation, the community is better prepared to face the challenges of the season.