THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING HYDRATED Katie parsels Activity: Creation or dissemination of health and wellness education for the target population Atria guilderland 300 mill rose court Slingerlands ny 12159
“If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated!” Dehydration is a frequent cause of hospitalization of older adults Elderly are more susceptible to dehydration There are many benefits of staying hydrated! Relieves fatigue, improves mood, treats headaches and migraines, helps in digestion and constipation, flushes out toxins, regulates blood pressure and heart rate Elderly= 65 years old
CAUSES OF SENIOR DEHYDRATION Medications Decreased thirst Decreased kidney function Certain illnesses Once you reach about 65 years old you start to have decreased thirst and kidney function Diarrhea and vomiting Medications= diuretics, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy, laxatives
SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION Confusion Dizziness or headaches Dry mouth and eyes Sunken eyes Rapid heart rate Dark yellow urine
TIPS TO DRINK MORE WATER Drink water with all medications Keep a water bottle with you at all times Drink water with every meal Fruits, veggies and soups are mostly water-based Watermelon is 92% water
“How much water should I drink?” Rule of thumb: Eight 8-ounce glasses Disease states that require fluid restrictions: refer to your doctor Kidney disease, chronic heart failure, other disease states
SUMMARY Staying hydrated can save you a hospital visit Drink water with medications and every meal Drink water even if you aren’t thirsty Proper hydration is key to staying and feeling healthy! Sources: http://pharmacistsletter.therapeuticresearch.com/pl/Searchv2.aspx?cs=&s=PL&searchbox=1&tbSearchBox=elderly+dehydation&btnSearch.x=0&btnSearch.y=0 http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/Staying-Hydrated---Staying-Healthy_UCM_441180_Article.jsp#.V4hHyf1TFMs http://www.top10homeremedies.com/kitchen-ingredients/10-health-benefits-of-drinking-water.html http://www.webmd.com/diet/6-reasons-to-drink-water?page=2 http://www.micromedexsolutions.com.acphs.idm.oclc.org/micromedex2/librarian/CS/194EDB/ND_PR/evidencexpert/ND_P/evidencexpert/DUPLICATIONSHIELDSYNC/BFA2B8/ND_PG/evidencexpert/ND_B/evidencexpert/ND_AppProduct/evidencexpert/ND_T/evidencexpert/PFActionId/evidencexpert.DoIntegratedSearch?SearchTerm=dehydration%20&UserSearchTerm=dehydration%20&SearchFilter=filterNone&navitem=searchALL