Staying Hydrated in the Summer Heat An Optimum Life Health Talk
As Summer Temperatures Rise Stay Hydrated!
The Importance of Water Other than oxygen, water is the most needed nutrient for life A person can live for 1 month without food.but only 3 or 4 days without WATER!
Facts About Water Water makes up 85% of Blood. Water makes up 75% of Muscles. Water makes up 75% of the Brain. Water is present in and around each and every cell in the body.
Dehydration Definition: Dehydration occurs when the amount of water you take in is less than the amount that you lose. In other words.input is less than Output!
The Importance of Proper Hydration Water delivers oxygen to the muscles. Water provides fuel during exercise. Without adequate fluids, the cardiovascular system is strained, probability of heat injury skyrockets and performance is impaired.
Promoting Fluid Intake Facts Older adults often do NOT feel thirsty Therefore, they may NOT recognize their need for fluid
Promoting Fluid Intake Educate families, friends, others about the importance of promoting hydration while they visit seniors in Health Care Centers, Assisted Living and Independent Living communities. Bring favorite beverages when visiting and offer at frequent intervals. Provide each person with a personal water bottle on walking outings, such as shopping.
Promoting Fluid Intake For seniors with physical disabilities and/or Alzheimer s, confusion, etc., a straw or special cup may assist in drinking. Ask the Occupational Therapists to evaluate and recommend assistive devices for drinking, such as a twohandled cup. Note preferences for fluids: Types of fluids: fruit juice, water, sodas Temperature of fluids: warm, cold, with ice, without ice
Dehydration Dehydration in Assisted Living and Health Care Center residents is a common and dangerous problem. Dehydration requires the involvement of staff, families and friends.
Activities to Promote Hydration Offer a full glass of fluid when taking medications. Leave filled, fresh pitchers of water in various rooms and/or at bedside. Offer drinks at social activities. Have a taste-test of various beverages. Hold an afternoon tea. Have Happy Hour with non-alcoholic beverages. Keep your body cool, by choosing looser fitting clothing made from absorbent light cotton materials (tight fitting and dark colors hold heat).
Prevention of Dehydration Check for the signs Dry, cracked lips Dry mouths Poor skin elasticity Dark urine Monitor fluid intake Drink fluids at least 3 times a day BETWEEN meals
Prevention of Dehydration Avoid fluids that contain Caffeine Alcohol Lots of Sugar (These drinks may cause dehydration) During HOT weather, drink more fluids than your thirst would indicate Increase your fluid intake to at least 8 ounces of cool fluid every hour
Electrolyte Imbalance Essential electrolytes, such as sodium (salt) and potassium are perilously depleted in a dehydrated resident Gatorade or other Sports drinks can replace these essential salt and minerals
Signs of Dehydration Confusion this can be an early sign (Delirium is also a common sign of acute and chronic dehydration in older adults). Poor skin elasticity or turgor (check skin on forehead or over the sternum). Dry mouth with dry, furrowed tongue (some drugs cause dry mouth). Excess voiding or scanty output (urine that is dark in color can be a sign). Weight loss due to loss of fluid in body.
Signs of Dehydration Electrolyte imbalance Decrease in blood pressure Increase in pulse Diarrhea can cause dehydration Constipation is a result and a symptom
Fluids are lost through: Urine Skin (sweat) Lungs (breathing) Loss of Fluids Seniors are at a higher risk for Dehydration than the young because their cells have less water. An older person weighing 150 pounds has 7 liters less water than a younger person of the same weight.
Final Thought Be proactive! HYDRATE!