VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 8 • AUGUST 2016
Refreshing Your Health
WATERWORLD • Before a Flood • During a Flood • After a Flood • Lepto alert
Waterworld DON’T GET WASHED UP BY THE TYPHOON SEASON. BE PREPARED, BE VIGILANT, BE SAFE. Floods have now become a yearly occurrence in the Philippines, so much so that we should have come to expect it, right? Sadly, every year, thousands of Filipinos from all walks of life suffer from flash floods and the illnesses they cause.
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There is very little we can do to prevent the rise of water during flood season. But there is much you can do to minimize the impact of floods. Flood preparedness should become part of every Filipino’s vocabulary.
A SLICE OF ORANGE
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 8 • AUGUST 2016
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Before a Flood 1 Monitor the situation. Listen to the radio or television for information. 2 Pack a (waterproof) bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Include needed medications and drinking water. 3 If advised to evacuate, do not hesitate. Evacuate immediately! 4 Move essential items to an upper floor. 5 Disconnect electrical appliances.
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6 Switch off the main electrical switch of your home to avoid electrical shock. Do not touch electrical equipment.
10 Continue monitoring the situation by radio or news reports.
7 Move to higher ground immediately and wait until safe.
12 Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
11 Stay away from flood waters and downed power lines.
8 Stay away from floodwater. It may 13 Disinfect your belongings before contain microbes, chemicals, or sharp using them. debris. The rushing water may also 14 Wear rubber gloves and boots sweep you off your feet. when cleaning up. 9 Do not walk through moving water. 15 Use clean water for personal A mere 6 inches of flowing water can hygiene, food preparation and be powerful enough to topple drinking. you over.
A SLICE OF ORANGE
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 8 • AUGUST 2016
Lepto alert Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria found in flood waters. When these germs get into the body, they can attack the blood and blood vessels, causing dangerous and potentially deadly complications, such as bleeding of vital organs such as the lungs and intestines. It may also cause the brain and kidneys to shut down.
The recommended antibiotic for prophylaxis for non‐pregnant, non‐lactating adults is doxycycline 200 mg capsule. The dose depends on:
In addition, if you experience the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
• The length of exposure to flood water
• Fever
• Presence of open cuts and wounds on the skin
• Calf pain or tenderness
• Muscle pain • Eye redness • Chills
Leptospirosis is prevented by avoiding flood waters. However, during disasters, many are caught in deep waters before they have time to escape. For these individuals, they may take specific antibiotic regimens to prevent the leptospirosis germs from causing infection.
• Abdominal pain • Headache • Yellowing of skin or eyes • Marked decrease in urination.
Recommended doxycycline schedule to prevent leptospirosis Length of exposure to flood water
Open wounds
Doxycycline 200 mg capsule schedule
Single instance
None
Single dose on empty stomach
Single instance
Present
One capsule daily for 3 to 5 days on an empty stomach
Continuous exposure
Present
One capsule every week until the end of exposure to flood water
Helping Your People in the Path to Progress Benefits Made Better Email us at inquiries@activelinkbenefits.com or call us at 8174606, and let us know when we can share our strategy. Let us help you make your benefits better!
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelinkbenefits.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2016 ActiveLink
Benefits Made Better
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A Slice of Orange
is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes-Delfin Ivan Olegario, MD