With temps soaring higher and higher and no relief in sight, dehydration is a major concern for many. Every year people over estimate their ability to deal with high tempuratures and end up with mild or even severe dehydration. We have compiled information on how to beat the heat. By knowing your risk and following these tips you will be able to beat the heat this Summer. 

Knowing your risk for Dehydration.

After two or three days of excess heat (around 100 degrees) people -- primarily the elderly, people who work outside or do outdoor activities, and those taking prescription antidepressants -- are at increased risk of dehydration. Some signs of dehydration, including lightheadedness, nausea, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and increased thirst.

These symptoms are a result of the body conserving fluids for the major organs and not distributing it to the other areas of the body. For instance, dry mouth and skin are a result of decreased blood flow to that area of the body and the fluids not being available. As dehydration becomes more severe,  the body conserves more fluids and these symptoms will worsen leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very serious and require emergency medical attention. 

So how do you know when dehydration is leading to heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion typically occurs in those that are exercising or worsening in a hot environment. Along with the typical symptoms of dehydration above, it is characterized as having severe and overwhelming fatigue. With heat exhaustion dehydration and a lack of body fluids leads to a breakdown of the inherent cooling mechanisms in the body, like sweating.  During this time the internal temperatures of the body can reach 104 degrees.  Heat stroke is a further progression of this where the cooling mechanism in the brain malfunctions altogether. With heat stroke temperatures can reach 105 degrees or higher and lead to permanent brain and organ damage from the extreme tempuratures. 

Elderly, young children and infants, people with cardiac disease, and those taking certain medications, especially antidepressants, are at most risk for a heat stroke and heat exhaustion. 

The issue with antidepressants ..... they decrease your bodies ability to lose heat through the skin by sweating. This is the primary way your body cools itself.  If you are taking antidepressants be especially careful in the heat and be sure to drink extra water and stay cool.

8 tips on how to beat the heat this Summer. 

1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids........ no revelation there, but fluids can mean different things to different people.  What we am referring to is water and sports drinks.  Anything with alcohol or caffeine do not count as they will only dehydrate you further. If you are trying to replace large amounts of fluids be sure to include electrolytes.

2. If you must be outside, try to stay in the shade and monitor activity. If you start getting any of the symptoms noted above, get to a cool place and consume more cool fluids.

3. Keep an eye on perspiration. If you stop perspiring, get more fluids immediately. You might take it a step further and take a cool shower and air dry your body. As the air circulates past the water on your body it cools your skin. 

4. If you start feeling light-headed or dizzy or extreme fatigue, this is a sign that heat-related illness is imminent. Get somewhere cool and immediately get fluids into your system. Cold fluids seem to help more as it will cool your core body temperature down. You might consider ice on the back of your neck in addition to taking a cool shower.

5. Another simple and convenient option is to use IV Vitamins or IV Therapy of electrolytes called a lactated ringer. Many doctor’s offices carry these for extreme situations such as those mentioned above. These can be used not only to treat dehydration, but also as a prevention against dehydration. With adequate fluids your body will maintain its central cooling mechanisms. 

6. Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. For those that work outdoors, consider wearing a wet cloth around your head to keep cool. If you exercise change the time of day or simply move inside. If you must exercise outdoors, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. 

7. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. 

8. Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle. This can be deadly within minutes as tempuratures can easily reach 120- 140. 

For more information on dehydration prevention and treatment, IV Vitamins, or IV Nutrient Therapy, click on the link below