Hydration and Heat Sense

Hydration is important any time of the year, and risk of dehydration begins once the body loses water content and essential body salts, such as sodium and potassium. Playing sports such as golf, tennis or pickleball, especially in the summer heat, quickly depletes the bodies reserves. It’s important to start drinking fluids before starting outside activities. Once you feel thirsty you are already behind in hydration levels. Remember to wear a hat, sunglasses, sunblock and lip sunscreen, and try to limit strenuous activities to the morning or early evening hours.

In cases of mild dehydration, simple rehydration is recommended by drinking fluids. Most sports drinks effectively restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt. Coconut water can be an excellent choice; however, some brands can be high in sugar, so read the labels.

Any case of serious dehydration should be treated as a medical emergency and immediate action should be taken. Dehydration can cause blood pressure fluctuations and also affect your heart. Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. The most serious form of heatstroke can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment, and untreated heatstroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications.

If you suspect someone is in heatstroke, there are first-aid measures you can take while waiting for emergency help to arrive which include the following:

  • Get the person to a shaded area and elevate their feet slightly.
  • Remove or open clothing and gently apply cooling water to the skin followed by fanning.
  • Apply ice packs to the groin and armpit area if possible.
  • Heatstroke can cause an altered level of consciousness, and giving fluids by mouth can be dangerous.

The Medical Center’s staff wishes you a healthy and safe summer!