Avoid Dehydration This Summer

| Dr. Eva Norman

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, lightheadedness or postural hypotension.  Severe dehydration can cause shock along with vascular (vessel) collapse and can occur from heat exhaustion, diarrhea, vomiting and from certain medications.1

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.  Exercising when one has a fever is never recommended as it puts strain/trauma on the cardiopulmonary system.  If you need to check your body temperature to see if you are heating up, a digital forehead thermometer is an effective and noninvasive way to monitor.

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 functioning.  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. 2 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.3

Tips for staying hydrated this summer: 4

  • 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.

At Live your LifeTM we provide a wide range of services to help keep individuals safe in their home.  We offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, personal training, acupuncture, massage therapy, health coaching along with dietary services.

Live Your Life by staying safe and hydrated today!

 

Dr. Eva Norman

President & Founder
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Live Your Life TM
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!

 

References

1 Goodman C, Snyder T. Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists Screening for Referral 4th Edition. St. Lous, MO: Saunders Elsvier; 2007.

2 Tips to recover from a workout. http://www.moveforwardpt.com/resources/detail/tips-to-recover-from-workout Accessed July 27, 2016.

3 Water: How much should you drink every day? http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256 Accessed July 27, 2016.

4 Summer Safety tips: Hydration is a must! http://www.healthtalk.umn.edu/2013/06/27/summer-safety-tips-hydration-is-a-must Accessed July 27, 2016.

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