Preventing Dehydration

As a heat wave continues to affect much of the country, it is very important to keep cool.

CBS 'This Morning' Health Correspondent Dr. Emily Senay discussed some the ways in which people can prevent dehydration during hot summer days.

Dr. Senay stated that "many of us drink only when we are thirsty." If we only drink when we are thirsty, then we are "waiting too long to replenish fluids critical for bodily functions."

A lot of water is lost when we sweat, which is our bodies' way of cooling off. Dr. Senay warns that sweating depletes the body of water and "that can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke."

It is important to be aware of what the early symptoms are of dehydration.

According to Dr. Senay, early symptoms include "thirst, rapid pulse, decreased urination, chills, headaches, shakiness, dry skin, and disorientation."

If you are out in the hot sun and experience any of these symptoms, Dr.Senay recommends that "you move to a shaded area and drink liquids to hydrate yourself." If that does not work, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Avoiding fluids that contain caffeine is also a method of prevention, since they are diuretics, which dehydrate you.

In the case of children, who love playing outside during the summer, Dr. Senay says that "parents have to watch out for them and be sure they are getting fluids."

Reported By Dr. Emily Senay