The biggest health concern of the hot months is dehydration, which is 100% preventable. Children, elderly, chronically ill and obese people are particularly at risk.
Drinking enough fluids, especially if active in the heat, is essential. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Water and sports drinks are best.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dehydration include dry lips, apathy and muscle cramping. If left untreated, dehydration can escalate to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be deadly. The main symptoms include cool, moist and pale skin followed by dry hot and red skin, headache, dilated pupils, irrational behavior, nausea and vomiting, rapid shallow breathing and sometimes seizures.
The best weapon against dehydration is the replacement of fluids. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, no matter what you're doing these hot summer months, and remember to rest frequently.
Brought to you by Sutter Amador Hospital and Dr. Robert Hartmann, Amador County Health Officer and Internal Medicine Physician.
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