Florida summers can be extremely hot. Hopefully you’re finding ways to keep cool and hydrated.
Dehydration is a potentially severe condition commonly caused by “vigorous exercise, especially in hot weather; intense diarrhea; vomiting; fever or excessive sweating,” explains the Mayo Clinic. They add, “Anyone may become dehydrated, but young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk.”
Linda Oswald, RN, our Suncoast PACE quality and clinic coordinator, shares, “The mechanisms in our bodies that tell us we’re thirsty become less sensitive as we age. Although we may not seem thirsty, we’re at a higher risk for dehydration.”
Dehydration Signs
Linda notes to watch for these signs of dehydration:
Linda Oswald, RN, Suncoast PACE quality and clinic coordinator
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Concentrated/decreased urine
- Dry skin
Hydration Tips
To stay hydrated, Linda recommends:
- Drink plenty of water daily – don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Aim for six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, unless your doctor tells you to drink less.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption – they act as diuretics.
- Keep watermelon cut and chilled in the refrigerator – it’s packed with natural water and tastes great.
- Add a splash of cranberry juice or a lemon slice if you don’t like the taste of water.
Please get medical treatment if you’re severely dehydrated.