The summer months offer much fun in the sun, outdoor work or exercise. The downside is that excessive heat exposure can cause dehydration. Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you consume, and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to perform its normal functions. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke can result.

Anyone may become dehydrated, but young children and older adults are at greater risk. Medical conditions and medications also may increase the risk of dehydration. Failing to drink enough water during hot weather leads to dehydration in any age group. Other causes of dehydration among any age group include excessive sweating, fever, minor illness and increased urination caused by diabetes.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Dry mouth and tongue
• Sunken eyes, cheeks
• Extreme thirst
• Less frequent urination
• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Confusion

You can usually reverse mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, but severe dehydration requires immediate medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking enough water every day is good for overall health. Daily fluid intake can come from food and beverages, but plain drinking water is one good way of getting fluids because it has zero calories.

There are other ways to stay hydrated besides drinking plenty of water. On hot days, avoid as much alcohol and caffeine as possible because both drain moisture out of you. Consuming fruits, vegetables and low-fat meats are also beneficial. Avoid peak hours of sunlight and know when to take a break during water sports. Pay close attention to any heat-related warnings on the news and keep outdoor activities near a shady spot.

When severe dehydration requires medical treatment such as hydration therapy, Carmichael’s can deliver the proper medications and application equipment. A referral from the patient’s doctor or hospital caseworker is required. Hydration therapy treats dehydration and replaces fluid loss secondary to many disease conditions or medical treatments. Our therapy treatments intravenously deliver fluids, medications, vitamins and other nutritional supplements directly into your bloodstream. All treatments are mixed with a saline solution for hydration. Please contact a Carmichael’s representative to discuss any hydration therapy needs.