GOT WATER?
Not that I am the expert on the consumption of and its importance- I can say this; being an RN for about 21 years of so, most if which has been in the Adult Emergency Room setting, I can say this, water is IMPORTANT! Even more so during the “dog days of summer” , the hot, humid, heat filled days we have been having, here in New York has been debilitating to say the least, for the elderly population, especially and those with pre existing medical conditions.
Many individuals have come into the emergency room either dehydrated or heat exhausted. Typically infants, small children and the elderly, dehydrate more rapidly than most anyone else and it can result from not drinking enough fluids, vomiting and diarrhea and/or a combination of all three. Infants and small children are more likely to dehydrate faster than, healthy (healthy, meaning no pre existing medical conditions etc.) then older children and adults because they lose fluid more quickly; their body mass is of course, smaller than an adult. (EMedicineHealth, 2007) I remember when I was in nursing school and Flo and I were talking (just kidding), my professor told us that an infant/small child could very well dehydrate in about 12-18 hours- if they are not replacing the fluid lost. I know that this is correct, as I have first hand experience when my daughter was three years old, and that was scary.
Our bodies are comprised of about 60 % water, which is located inside our lean muscle. Water is required by the body for regulation of certain processes and chemical reactions in our cells. It transports protein, amino acids essential vitamins and minerals. It supports the digestion of nutrients and encourages the repair of old tissues, (I drink lots of water, I am ……and OLD tissue). It also flushes the body of toxic waste (“pay attention to this NinjaBill, LOL”) and maintains constant body temperature as well as providing a cushion to our joints, to name a few. (Keith & Wade, 1997)
As athletes we are constantly aware of what goes in our bodies – we calculate what our protein, fat and carbohydrate should be – but sometimes we forget the importance of water intake. Water is another nutrient. (Keith & Wade, 1997)
We often “underplay the importance of water to good nutrition.” Through normal body functions such as respiration, perspiration and urination we may lose up to about a half a gallon of water daily. During prolonged strenuous physical activity; we may lose even more water which can result in dehydration and other heat related issues. (Keith & Wade, 1997)
Here are some of the signs and symptoms of dehydration:
- Mild to excessive thirst and dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded
- Fatigue and/or muscle weakness
- Little or no urination
In conclusion, just throughout the day, take a moment and see if you have had your water intake for the day. Try and stay away from concentrated drinks, which give you that “full” feeling, lastly, avoid caffeine and alcohol as they have a diuretic effect. (Keith & Wade, 1997)
Works Cited
“Dehydration in Children.” E Medicine Health. 12 July 2007. 06 Aug. 2007 <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/dehydration_in_children/article_em.htm#Dehydration%20in%20Children%2
0Overview>.
Keith, Dr. Robert E.. And Wade, Leslie., Alabama. Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University. Department of Agriculture. Sports Nutrition for Young Adults: Hydration. May 1997. 6 Aug. 2007 <http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/H/HE-0749/>.
August 8, 2007 at 8:59 am
Very good advice.
August 8, 2007 at 9:20 am
What was that about flushing Bill’s toxic waste?? I thought this topic was about drinking water? Is this actually about the water required to move that toxic waste through the sewer system?? LOL
Great write up, Kat
My wife was a nurse also (Labor & Delivery), and is now a pregnant.. stay at home mom.
She can (especially now) attest to the importance of drinking water. Staying well hydrated is crucial for a pregnant woman in this heat. It can eliminate one of the factors for going into pre-term labor.
She’s seen countless women come into the hospital, pre-term, and scared out of their minds.. only to find that they were just dehydrated. After drinking a good amount of water, their contractions would cease and they were sent back home with an admonishment.
Staying hydrated also prevents that "cankle" syndrome, where a pregnant woman’s ankles swell up.
Great column as always Boudica!
August 8, 2007 at 9:49 am
More good stuff!
August 9, 2007 at 8:00 am
ROFL…… Well if removing toxic waste makes a person more healthy… I’m one healthy dude!….
I drink a ton of water!….. matter of fact thats about all I drink. All that great detailed infromation you pass along… and you still managed to take a plug at my Toxbombs…lol I guess I’m honored though when you thinnk of shit…. you think of me 
" Oh and I also wanted to say Kat that you write the ABSOLUTE BESTEST BLOGS in the whole wide world and that I am in awe of your writing skills as well as the articulate manner that you present yourself !!" LOL
August 9, 2007 at 2:29 pm
LOLOL Bill - you are the BESTEST!!!!!!!!!
August 9, 2007 at 6:43 pm
I would of wrote that Kat…but I could not spell articulate…..ROFL Thats like when you RN’S give me report on the Rehab floor….have to use a 20 letter word to say small bruise…lol I always tell them break it down to Hillbilly for me… if it’s a bruise say bruise.. I understand that…..lol
August 15, 2007 at 11:23 am
I will drink up to half a gallon of water on a shift. I’m a CNA and the constant walking and lifting can make a gal thirsty! I add green tea and apple cider vinegar to my water sometimes.