High temperatures are forecast for this weekend, making it essential to stay well in the heat and avoid dehydration.
The human body relies on water to maintain a healthy fluid volume and chemical balance.
This is why it’s essential to drink plenty when exercising or in hot weather.
During the festival and holiday season, it’s easy to forget to drink, with all the distractions or simply drink the wrong things.
Alcohol and high caffeine drinks don’t help, in fact they can easily increase you dehydration, leading to serious heat related conditions.
Simple steps to avoid Dehydration
When your body loses more fluid than it takes in you can easily become dehydrated, either from sweating due to heat or exercise, not necessarily just from being in a hot environment.
How will you know you’re becoming dehydrated
- You’ll be thirsty
- Your mouth and lips will be dry
- You may feel dizzy and confused
- Your urine will be dark coloured
- You will be passing less urine than normal
What can you do to help?
- Stop all physical activity
- You should move to a shady place, ideally in a cool breeze
- Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine rich drinks, since these will increase dehydration
- Loosen and remove any unnecessary clothing
- Continue to re-hydrate throughout the day possible using re-hydration fluids
If you think you’ve become dehydrated make sure you watch for the signs and symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
and always remember, if you’re in doubt call the NHS helpline 111.