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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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June 22, 2010 |
A Publication of QVHD |
A Common Heat-Related Condition
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Heat waves occur and hot
weather can cause dehydration and heat-related illness. 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.
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 more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity
level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Warning: If your
doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on
water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is
hot. Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of
sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid
very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
- Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned
place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the
shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air
conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into
the heat.
- Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is
in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking
a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a
much better way to cool off.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- NEVER leave anyone (or a pet) in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
- Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four
glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage
can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you
are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a
sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above),
too.
- Try to rest often in shady areas.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat
(also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen
of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad
spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
(Some of the information included in this article was provided by
NCEH's Health Studies Branch .) 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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