DAPITAN City — A timely revision of the schedule plus a cooperative weather eliminated cases of heat stroke in the ongoing 2011 Palarong Pambansa here.
Halfway through the weeklong meet, there has been no reported cases of heat stroke which was one of the the main concerns of the organizing Department of Education (DepEd).
“So far, we have not treated any athlete, official or patient for heat stroke,” said Dr. Marcos Redoble Jr., head of the Palaro medical team.
Redoble said the absence of heat stroke cases so far is attributed to the change of schedule where games held in open venues start at 7 a.m. and end at 10 a.m. Games will then resume at 3 p.m.
The DepEd has undertaken these measures to ensure the delegates’ well being and avoid a tragic incident that marred the 2007 Palaro in Koronadal City where two officials died of heat stroke.
The first two days of the meet have been marred by numerous incidents of heat stroke.
“The change of schedule is really a huge help and the weather has been very good,” said Redoble who added that most of the athletes they treated yesterday suffered fractures and hypoxia.
“Hypoxia happens when there is inadequate oxygen in the blood and its normal for athletes. When you engaged in an extreme physical activity, you could suffer from hypoxia,” said Redoble. /EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA