 | Charlotte Buchanan, RD, LD, CNSD, is a clinical dietitian at Wesley Medical Center., and can be reached at 316-962-2018. To better serve west Wichita, Wesley Medical Center will soon open an emergency center at 13th and Tyler. The 10-exam-room center will open in November and be available to patients around the clock for all types of emergencies except trauma. |
Health & Medicine
2006-09-01 15:03:00
Water - your body’s best friend
: Why is water so important?ANSWER: It helps control body temperature.It promotes good digestion and intestinal function. It carries nutrients to and oxygen to cells and removes waste. It cushions joints and protects organs and tissues. It provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.It keeps the urinary tract flushed out, which may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. You cannot live more than a week or so without water!QUESTION: What are the signs of dehydration?ANSWER: Thirst – however, our ability to sense thirst declines as we age. Others are: fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, infrequent urination, dark colored urine, lack of skin elasticity, dry mouth, headache, increased body temperature and pulse.Check how hydrated you are by taking the pinch test. Grasp the skin on the back of your hand between two fingers. Hold for a few seconds and release. If you are moderately or severely dehydrated, it will take a minute or two for the skin to return to normal.MILD DEHYDRATION MAY BE RESOLVED BY REPLACING FLUIDS QUICKLY. DEHYDRATION SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND IF SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE, YOU SHOULD SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.QUESTION: How much water do you need?ANSWER: Make sure your intake of fluids is 48-64 ounces per day. That’s a minimum of six 8-ounce glasses per day. Water is the best fluid choice, because it is absorbed faster than any other beverage. Other fluid choices include: milk, soup, fruit juice, and decaffeinated or non alcoholic drinks. Note: cool beverages are absorbed better than room temperature or warm beverages.Please consult your physician if you have a special medical condition that requires fluid restriction such as renal failure, congestive heart failu
ANSWER:Water is one of the body’s most essential nutrients. On average, our bodies are made up of 50-75% water (about 10-12 gallons). The specific percentage of water varies from person to person since it is affected by body composition, age, and gender. Because the proportion of water in each of our bodies is different, it makes sense that water needs also vary from person to person. In general, most people need 8-10 cups of water per day.QUESTION: Why is water so important?ANSWER: It helps control body temperature.It promotes good digestion and intestinal function. It carries nutrients to and oxygen to cells and removes waste. It cushions joints and protects organs and tissues. It provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.It keeps the urinary tract flushed out, which may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. You cannot live more than a week or so without water!QUESTION: What are the signs of dehydration?ANSWER: Thirst – however, our ability to sense thirst declines as we age. Others are: fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, infrequent urination, dark colored urine, lack of skin elasticity, dry mouth, headache, increased body temperature and pulse.Check how hydrated you are by taking the pinch test. Grasp the skin on the back of your hand between two fingers. Hold for a few seconds and release. If you are moderately or severely dehydrated, it will take a minute or two for the skin to return to normal.MILD DEHYDRATION MAY BE RESOLVED BY REPLACING FLUIDS QUICKLY. DEHYDRATION SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND IF SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE, YOU SHOULD SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.QUESTION: How much water do you need?ANSWER: Make sure your intake of fluids is 48-64 ounces per day. That’s a minimum of six 8-ounce glasses per day. Water is the best fluid choice, because it is absorbed faster than any other beverage. Other fluid choices include: milk, soup, fruit juice, and decaffeinated or non alcoholic drinks. Note: cool beverages are absorbed better than room temperature or warm beverages.Please consult your physician if you have a special medical condition that requires fluid restriction such as renal failure, congestive heart failure or liver failure.QUESTION: When do you need more fluid?ANSWER: When you have an illness involving fever, diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting: In very hot weather, during strenuous work or exercise.Maintaining adequate fluids is crucial for those over age 60, because dehydration is one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization for older Americans. So remember to drink, drink, drink (before you are thirsty) and stay well hydrated!
