Please provide tips and suggestions for preventing dehydration.
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Can dehydration be prevented?
Environment: Dehydration due to the weather is a preventable condition. If possible, activities should not be scheduled in the heat of the day. If
they are, adequate fluids should be available, and cooler, shaded areas should
be used if possible. Of course, people should be monitored to
make certain they are safe. Those working in hot environments need to take care to rehydrate often.
In heat waves, it is important to routinely check on neighbors, especially
the elderly or those that do not have air conditioning.
People exercising and working in a hot environment need to drink adequate
amounts of water. People can become dehydrated while playing in the ocean, lakes, or pools if
the water and and environmental temperatures are warm enough.
Age: The young and elderly are most at risk because of poor
temperature regulation systems. During heat waves, attempts should be
made to check on the elderly in their homes. During the Chicago heat wave of
1995, more than 600 people died in their homes from heat exposure.
Heat related conditions: Know the signs and symptoms of
heat
cramps, heat rash,
heat exhaustion, and
heat stroke. Preventing dehydration
is one step to avoid these conditions.
Additional resources from WebMD Boots UK on
Dehydration