MANILA, Philippines - The extremely hot weather caused by the El Nino phenomenon has its own effects on health.

In a health advisory, Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said Filipinos should watch out for the following ailments as these are more prevalent during the summer season:

• diseases related to water scarcity or shortage (diarrhea, skin diseases)
• disorders associated with high temperatures (heat cramps, heat exhaustion, exertional heat injury, heat stroke, sunburn, prickly heat)
• paralytic shellfish poisoning (due to red tide blooms)
• food and water-borne diseases (typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, food poisoning, other diarrheas)
• sore eyes
• measles
• mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)

"For many Filipinos, summer is a time for fun and festivities, but they must always remember to put health on top of their priorities," Cabral said.

Given this, the Department of Health provided some useful tips to help Filipinos stay away from these summer diseases:

On eating/drinking and food preparation:

• Cook food properly.
• Eat foods immediately after cooking.
• Refrigerate leftover food and reheat it before eating.
• Wash hands before and after food preparation, and before and after eating.
• Avoid preparing food for others if already sick.
• Protect water sources from contamination. Boil drinking water for at least 2 minutes.
• Avoid drinking water and iced beverages of doubtful quality.
• Peel and wash fruits and vegetables before eating.

At the beach:

• Do not allow children to swim without the company of an adult who can swim and is not drunk.
• Avoid staying under the sun for more than 3 hours.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Wear light clothing.

On the road:

• Check your vehicle before going on a trip.
• Always bring a repair kit in case of accidents and emergencies.
• When drunk, never attempt to drive.