Avoid Dehydration This Summer

Avoid Dehydration This Summer Whether you work outdoors or play outdoors with the heat rising in the summer months, it is important to stay hydrated. Since our bodies are mostly made up of water, it is important to be aware of when our bodies are not getting enough fluid intake. There are signs to help you monitor levels of dehydration. Symptoms of mild dehydration are feeling thirsty along with having a dry mouth and lips. Among some of the moderate dehydration symptoms are a headache, having a very dry mouth, sunken eyes or lightheadedness. Severe dehydration can cause shock along with vascular (vessel) collapse and can occur from heat exhaustion, diarrhea, vomiting and from certain medications. Some patient populations will be at a higher risk for dehydration such as post-operative patients and aging adults. Athletes also have more of a risk of dehydration. Have you given much thought to how many fluids you take in daily? Drinking water is key to overall health. Water helps the body to detoxify and dispose of waste along with helping with an individual’s metabolism and organ functions. If you do not take in enough fluids daily, then the body has to work much harder to function. Start today with keeping track of your daily intake of water. Remember to properly hydrate before exercising and to replace lost fluids after excess exercise. According to the Institute of Medicine the adequate daily intake for woman is 9 cups of total fluids and for men is 13 cups of total fluids. Here are a few tips for staying hydrated this summer: Drink the recommended daily amount of water Limit alcohol use and drink water in between Replace lost fluids from sweat and exercise Do not overtake in fluids Listen to your own body Consult with your physician or healthcare provider if you are an adult experiencing moderate to severe dehydration. Aging adults and children may need to seek medical care with mild to moderate dehydration. Have a safe and hydrated summer!