Staying Hydrated In The Summer Heat

Sin, blazes, hades, or the sun. No matter which way you describe it, its hot. And with the heat brings concerns with staying hydrated.

Dr. Buck Parker, a trauma surgeon and one of the recent stars of NBC’s reality TV show “The Island”, who provides expert medical opinions on the Web, radio & TV programs nationwide, says dehydration is something he sees a lot of this time of year in the ER, with the very high temperatures and humid weather when people tend to overheat easily and don’t have enough fluid intake. 

Dr. Parker, who unfortunately also saw a few of his fellow contestants on ‘The Island’ evacuated due to dehydration, says typical symptoms for everyone to look out for are:

• increased thirst
  
• dry mouth
  
• dizziness or even fainting
  
• feeling weak, tired or confused
  
• GI distress

 “In the most serious cases, dehydration can eventually harm the body causing seizures, kidney failure and even death,” says Dr. Parker. “Anyone can be affected by extreme heat but the most vulnerable are children, the elderly or anyone with other health issues.”

 Dr. Parker offers steps to take to avoid dehydration including:

• Do not forget to drink water. Thirst indicates dehydration, so drink water regularly, before you are too thirsty.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. Any foods that have high water content and are loaded with electrolytes are good choices in the summer months.
• Try not to cool down with a soda or other caffeinated drinks. Drinking beverages that contain sugar and/or caffeine will only further dehydrate the body.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Wear cool, loose and lightweight clothing to stay as cool as possible in the heat.