Severe heat a challenge for Palaro athletes

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – Intense heat and humidity pose a major challenge for the athletes who will slug it out in Palarong Pambansa 2015.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Agapito Hornido, head of the Palaro Medical Team, said the young players are at risk in high temperatures, as they push themselves hard to increase their chances of clinching a medal at the country’s largest sporting event.

Athough Davao del Norte experienced moderate rains Friday afternoon, May 1 due to localized thunderstorms, the province posted an average heat index of 37 degree Celsius for the past days, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division.

However, Hornido assured they are all geared up to respond to heat exhaustion and stroke, among other medical emergencies, when competition starts on May 3, 2015.

“We are ready for any emergency,” Hornido assured, citing the preparedness of the more than 400 strong members of the medical team.

The opening ceremonies of the national games was moved to May 4 to give the players chance to see the Pacquiao vs Mayweather megafight in an outdoor viewing party at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.

Aware of the potential effects of the hot weather on the athletes, the Department of Education has continued to ban some outdoor sports from 11 am to 3pm so the athletes would not suffer from heat stroke under the scorching summer sun.

Hornido said they have already attended to dozens of athletes, with most of them showing signs of heat exhaustion. Some even fainted during intense training.

He revealed the medical team is bolstered up by the 21-bed Palaro Medical Operations Center (MOC), which offers free consultation, medicines, minor treatment, ECG, physio-therapy, dental and other services.

The weeklong Olympics of the grassroots is backed by the Tagum Agricultural Development Company Incorporated, Damosa Land, Davao Packaging Corporation, Davao International Container Terminal, Incorporated and Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

Caroline Baustista, 40, lauded the services of the MOC, after seeking treatment for her migraine and elevated blood pressure.

“They are very nice. They give excellent medical services to the delegates,” said the delegation nurse of the Region 1 Athletic Association. – Rappler.com