Temperatures of more than 30 degrees Celsius are forecast this week and local health leaders are encouraging people to help older relatives, friends and neighbours to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and reduce the risk of experiencing heat related illness.
Everyone is at risk of dehydration in hot temperatures, but babies, children and older people are particularly vulnerable. It is important to know and look out for the signs of dehydration such as increased thirst, a dry mouth, dark urine, and urinating infrequently or small amounts.
Hydration is key during hot weather and people should aim to drink 6-8 glasses/cups of water, lower fat milks, tea and coffee throughout the day. Fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks do count towards fluid intake but can be high in sugar so limiting fruit juice or smoothies to a combined total of 150ml a day and swapping sugary drinks for diet, or sugar-free or no added sugar is a good idea.
Beverages that could cause dehydration to occur more quickly, such as alcohol and energy drinks should be limited. Many people get dehydrated by not drinking enough fluids or by losing fluids and not replacing them.
Gill May, Chief Nurse Officer for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Good hydration is one of the most important aspects of our diet, drinking fluids regularly throughout the day can help people stay well and ensures that our bodily functions are able to take place as normal.
“Hydration is especially important for older people and young children. When fluid levels drop even slightly, we can begin to feel poorly with headaches, dizziness, lethargy, and poor concentration. Dehydration can also be associated with urinary
tract infections.
“Good hydration is critical to helping us all staying well and feeling our best”.
Carers and those looking after older relatives, as well as parents of young children, are also being advised to make sure they don’t forget to top up their own hydration levels during the hot weather.
Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health for Bath and North East Somerset Council, added: “Waiting until you feel thirsty is often too late for maintaining hydration levels because by the time you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated.
Water is a good way to stay hydrated, it is safe to drink from the tap in the UK and is free.
Becky continues, “During the hot weather we’re encouraging people to check on their vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to help make sure they are staying hydrated and keeping their homes cool.”
Pharmacists can also offer heat health advice and may recommend oral rehydration sachets to help put back the sugar, salts, and minerals the body loses when dehydrated.
