It’s not officially Summer yet, but there’s a heat wave hitting Northern California this week. In true Northern California fashion, it’s going from 70 degrees to 110 without any opportunity for our bodies to acclimate. Are you ready?
It’s important that we all take proper precautions, such as staying out of the heat during peak hours, making sure our pets are brought inside, and drinking a lot of water. We all know that drinking water is a necessity and a good preventative measure to take during hot weather, but do you drink enough? If you aren’t sure, there are some things to look for that signal you’re dehydrated. It’s not in your favor to ignore them either or else you could be faced with serious consequences.
Posted by: TODAY.com
How Do I Know if I’m Dehydrated? The Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
This health issue is more serious than you might think and could land you in the hospital.
How much liquid do we need each day? It depends. Here are a few signs you might be dehydrated and tips to stay healthy all summer long.
- Increased thirst and a dry or sticky mouth
“If you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated,” explained Dr. Laura Goldberg of Cleveland Clinic Sports Health. The easiest remedy is to start drinking water (and beverages with electrolytes) as soon as you notice this, but try not to let yourself get to this point.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to meet your daily hydration needs, for women, the National Academy of Sciences recommends 2.7 liters of water a day (about 11.4 cups), and for men, 3.7 liters (15 cups). Try to drink more water if you’ve spent excessive time in the sun, or exercising.
- Signs of fatigue, confusion or anger
Studies have found that mild levels of dehydration can affect your mood and cognitive functions. This is especially common in the young or elderly, who may seem less alert, or forgetful.
A study from the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory found that even mild dehydration can alter a person’s mood, energy and ability to think clearly. The researchers defined mild dehydration as an approximately 1.5 percent loss in normal water volume in the body — and the adverse reaction is the same whether you’re exercising or sitting still.
[Continue to original article]
While keeping yourself hydrated during hot weather is crucial, it’s also important to listen to your body and recognize symptoms that are out of the ordinary. You can still overheat no matter how much water you’re drinking.
If you’re ever concerned that you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of dehydration or you’re worried that it’s something more serious, don’t hesitate to visit the Medical Specialty Center – Your Everyday Health Care Clinic – at Orchard Hospital. We will take care of you quickly and efficiently. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Open 7 days a week. It’s our goal to have fast and friendly care while delivering quality health care.
Our mission at Orchard Hospital is to provide our community with superior health care. We strive to ensure that your experience at Orchard Hospital is as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Our priority is to provide you with the care you need when you need it, with skill, compassion, and respect.
