Water – 6 to 8 Glasses a Day Can Keep the Doctor Away!
Why we need water:
 Most of our body is made up of water.
 It is necessary to take in adequate water to maintain our health and
keep our organ systems working optimally.
 It is needed to regulate our body temperature and blood pressure.
Seniors are especially in danger of dehydration during summer months
because as we age our bodies decrease in ability to maintain our balance
of fluids, and our sense of thirst becomes less reliable. It is vitally important
for seniors to ensure they are adequately hydrated at all times, and not to
wait until they feel thirsty.
What is dehydration?
 Dehydration occurs when a body loses more water than it takes in.
 Causes can be illness, some medications, hot, dry climate, sun
exposure, or simply not drinking enough.
 Dehydration is one of the most frequent causes of senior
hospitalizations.
What are some symptoms of dehydration?
Signs of dehydration may be silent at first but can lead to serious problems.
 Headache
 Weakness or dizziness
 Falls
 Confusion
 Urinary tract infections
 Constipation
 Bedsores, or other slow-healing lesions
 Lack of tears or perspiration
 Dark-colored or scanty urine
 Sunken eyes
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This information is courtesy of Visiting Angels
Tips to Avoid Dehydration:
 Make a goal to drink 6 to 8 cups of water or other liquids a day
 Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Drink whether you are thirsty or not
 Not all water has to be in liquid form. Foods like watermelon, soups,
jello, salads, or fruits and vegetables contain liquid also.
 Carry a bottle of water with you when you leave home or work in the
yard, especially during warm weather.
 If you experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, it’s important to
replace the extra fluid that was lost.
 Be aware drinks like alcohol, coffee, tea, or some sodas can act as
diuretics and increase water loss.
 Monitor weight. A loss of 2 or more pounds in a few days can be a
signal of water loss.
Remember- Dehydration is much easier to prevent than it is to treat!
So start drinking!
Visiting Angels
6145 Park Sq. Dr. #4
Lorain, OH 44053
440-988-3004
www.visitingangels.com/lcoh
This information is courtesy of Visiting Angels