Boil Water Prior to Drinking, Observe Proper Hygiene, DOH Tells People in Evacuation Centers

The Department of Health (DOH) has reminded typhoon-affected families still staying in evacuation centers to ensure that boiling of water for drinking is being done.

In a Health Advisory, the DOH said the boiling of drinking water should take place for at least two minutes.

In the same advisory, the DOH emphasized the importance of maintaining proper hygiene.

Frequent hand washing is also being advised, especially when preparing, cooking food and eating them. The same is also advised to those going in and out of toilets.

According to DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin, it is important to ensure that individuals in the evacuation centers will do their urinating and bowel movements on the designated toilets and not anywhere.

She said that maintaining cleanliness in the evacuation centers will help prevent the spread of infections and other illnesses.

Dr. Garin added that garbage should also be properly disposed to prevent the accumulation of bacteria because dirty garbage can become source of virus that may induce sickness.

She also said that mothers with babies should keep on breastfeeding them so that they can protect the infants from common illnesses that may spread in evacuation centers.

Babies that are breastfed have more chances of beating illnesses because their immune system is being boosted by mother’s milk which is free, safe and readily available.

In contrast to infant formula milk, mother’s milk does not need potable water in order to feed the baby.

It does not also require bottles that should be sterilized prior to feeding.

There are also studies showing that babies who are breastfed are more intelligent and have stronger bonding with their mothers because mothers release “love hormones” (oxytocin) as they feed their babies with their breast milk. (PNA) SCS/LSJ