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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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July 8, 2008 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Extreme Heat!
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Take out the politics of
global warming and climate change and there is still one fact that will
remain. Heat waves occur and hot weather can cause dehydration. So
what's the big deal about dehydration? It is one of the most common
causes of summer trips to the emergency room, particularly in older
folks. In warm weather months, dehydration can sneak up on you quickly.
It can make you so disoriented and confused that you may not recognize
that your body needs water! Dehydration can cause a life-threatening
condition , disrupting electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) and lead
to changes in the heart's rhythm. But you can take steps to prevent it.
Your body is about two thirds water. This water is essential to the
functioning of the organs. When your body loses a significant amount of
water, you may begin to feel sick. This is dehydration. The most common
cause of dehydration in the warm weather months is from sweating without
replacing fluids. Other causes include vomiting, diarrhea, and certain
medications like diuretics or laxatives.
There are reasons why older persons are more likely to become dehydrated
than younger adults. One reason is that a lot of older folks choose not
to drink in order to reduce trips to the bathroom, especially if they
have a problem with incontinence (an inability to hold urine.)
Additionally, the elderly may not feel as thirsty as younger people.
Some may have reduced kidney function or others may have a problem that
makes it hard to get a drink (like painful walking.) Medications that
increase urine output may affect some people. Last, they may not believe
that they can become dehydrated or may not understand what dehydration
is.
We often do not recognize the symptoms of dehydration. If it were as
simple as “I'm thirsty”, then we wouldn't have a problem. Thirst may be
a symptom of dehydration, but this symptom can occur late in the process
of dehydration. Other symptoms include dizziness, light-headedness,
feeling faint, irritability, confusion, dry mouth, sticky mouth, less
urine production or dark, strong urine.
In the early stages of dehydration, you might be able to halt the
process by replacing fluids and controlling fluid loss. However, with
severe or frequent symptoms as described above, fluid loss may need to
be replaced with intravenous fluids, which can hydrate the body more
quickly than just drinking water can.
Dehydration is a big deal! Take action to prevent the problem. Drink
lots of fluids during the warm weather months, even if you don't feel
thirsty. (If you have been vomiting and/or had diarrhea it is also
important to replace fluids.) Heed health warnings when the weather gets
hot. Exert yourself carefully when it is very hot, taking frequent
rest/cooling off breaks. Water is by far the first choice for fluid
intake. Juice and sports drinks are also acceptable, or try sucking on a
Popsicle. Alcoholic beverages, sugary drinks and drinks with caffeine
are not good choices.
For more information, District residents can call QVHD 248-4528 or
request on line, www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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