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Emerging Markets Datafile

BUSINESS DAILY

March 10, 1998, Tuesday

LENGTH: 692 words

HEADLINE: A Drink for the El Nino, BUSINESS DAILY

BODY:

More and more people are called upon to be aware of the impending effects of the El Nino. The El Nino is an unexplained phenomenon characterized by extreme climatic conditions: exceptional temperature rise with a little rainfall on the one hand, and unusually heavy rainfall on the other hand.

These extreme climatic changes have been found to not only affect environment and weather, but the health of people as well.

Due to the decreases in the amount of rainfall, water shortages are evident. Without adequate water, people are left with no choice but to conserve it in the best way possible, sometimes compromising their hygiene habits. For example, some of them may not be able to wash themselves properly lest they use up too much water. These restrictions on their cleaning habits may result in ailments like diarrhea and other skin diseases.

Similarly, red tide blooms or an increase in the number of organisms causing Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) is also expected as a result of the El Nino. To avoid this, regular monitoring of sea water and shellfish samples should also be implemented.

Cholera outbreaks traced to this unexplained phenomenon are also foreseen by health experts. Studies have shown a strong link between the El Nino phenomenon and Vibrio cholera, the bacteria that causes cholera. In certain conditions, for example, warm water temperature and the presence of nutrients which the El Nino phenomenon can bring about, cause these organisms to reproduce rapidly. Health officials advise that people drink water from potable sources only or, if they are not sure, to boil their drinking water for at least 30 minutes. Food preparations must also be well- cooked.

The perils of El Nino are serious especially when we consider the health and well-being of the citizenry. However, there is an even greater (and more obvious) ailment or risk which is often overlooked by a lot of people.

And this could stem from ignorance of its harmful effects on the body.

High environmental temperatures, or extreme heat caused by the El Nino, can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat injury, and heat stroke. These are likely to occur when temperatures are 28-30 degrees Centigrade. Who are the possible "victims"?

Children, the elderly, professional/weekend athletes, or even those staying/working in poorly-ventilated environments (e.g. factory workers).

The symptoms are common. Heat cramps cause brief, intermittent, often excruciating cramping pain in muscles when strenuous physical activity is done.

Heat exhaustion, on the other hand, makes a person feel weak, thirsty, nauseous, with painful headaches and later collapse.

Athletes are likely to suffer from exertional heat injury especially when they are exposed to humid temperatures. Finally, heat stroke, which is said to be the most serious of these heat ailments, can lead to complications like kidney failure, thereby resulting in death.

To avoid the complications brought about by disorders associated with extreme temperatures, it is important to increase fluid intake. As water is scarce, fluids like Gatorade Thirst Quencher are helpful since this type of beverage fosters rapid fluid absorption. Moreover, it is your answer to quenching deep down body thirst - the kind of thirst that must be distinguished from "mouth thirst." The tell-tale signs of deep down body thirst (or hidden thirst) are tiredness and fatigue even after drinking. A scientifically-formulated beverage like Gatorade replenishes lost body fluids and prevents the onset of "deep down body thirst." Flavored to encourage frequent drinking, Gatorade provides vital fluids to the body for complete rehydration.

Aside from an increase fluid intake, wearing of light clothing is advised as this allows the air to move more freely within the body. Whenever possible, taking frequent showers is also recommended. The damaging effects of the El Nino must not be taken for granted. While we brace ourselves for its impending effects on our soils and water systems, let's not forget the greatest harm it can cause on the world's best resource: OURSELVES.

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

COUNTRY: PHILIPPINES

LOAD-DATE: March 10, 1998