Health chiefs urge people to help keep vulnerable hydrated

By Barrie Hudson - 9 August 2022

CommunityHealth

NHS bosses are encouraging people to help older loved ones and neighbours to drink plenty of fluids.

The warning from the Integrated Care Board serving the Swindon area comes as temperatures of more than 30 degrees Celsius are forecast this week.

Staying hydrated reduces the risk of 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 in small amounts. 

Hydration is key during hot weather and people should aim to drink six to eight glasses or 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, 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 become 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, said: “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.” 

To help people stay hydrated when out and about, water filling points across the area available free of charge. Bottles can be refilled as and when needed, making it easy to maintain fluid levels and keep thirst away. 

More information about the location of the refill sites can be found by visiting refill.org.uk 

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. 

More information about staying hydrated is available at www.nhs.uk, while further details about local health and care services can be found at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk 

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