As the days are getting warmer, it’s important to pay attention to our water intake, especially during these later years of our lives. As we age, we tend to not feel thirsty the way we did in our youth. This can be problematic as we tend to forget to consume water. According to parentgiving.com, if thirst has set in, then dehydration is already setting in. It is crucial we know the warning signs of dehydration and what to do!
Keep in mind, everyone has a normal level of water in their body and not everyone is the same. Be sure to consult with your doctor about how much water to drink daily to avoid dehydration, as it can cause serious and sometimes fatal problems.
Some things to be aware of, from aplaceformom.com, include the following:
- Feeling confused
- Difficulty walking
- Dizziness or headaches
- Dry mouth
- Sunken eyes
- Inability to sweat or cry
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Low urine output
- Constipation
So, what is one to do if they begin to notice these symptoms?
First and foremost, get a glass of water, Gatorade, Powerade or any of the sports drinks with electrolytes. It’s vital we quickly replace some of the nutrients that have been lost. Then make a doctor’s visit stat. This is a worthy trip to Urgent Care. Don’t delay on that.
For serious cases, treatment can include an IV. For more severe cases, short-term dialysis might be recommended. No one wants that.
In order to avoid a hospital visit, try setting an alarm or creating a schedule reminding yourself to take in some more water. Hold your friends accountable to ensure they also consume enough water. Dehydration is completely preventable as long as you’re aware of it.
