Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Lessons Learned...The Power Of Peer

Hydrate...Hydrate....Hydrate!

How Do Diabetics Stay Hydrated?thumbnailBeing on medications increases the need to be mindful of keeping  yourself fully hydrated.
We want to share an experience that occurred in our group that taught us all a valuable lesson.
Several weeks ago one of our Peers was not feeling well during  group:dizzy, low energy, nausea...At first the peer asked  to 'rest' a minute. Staff decided that it may be best to bring her over to West End, the medical group that is part of 4 Corners which is located in our building.
This was a good decision. it turned out that her blood pressure was bottomed out. It was caused by dehydration. She had to go to the ER for an IV.
We learned a few things:
#1: All doctors need to know all the meds you are on, as some do not interact well.
#2.  Hydrating properly is important and perhaps we have to make a better effort in the cooler months.
TIP ALERT!
To hydrate properly drink plenty of water daily, and limit salt intake. Soda and coffee do not count. The Peers have been trying different ways  to make water more interesting and may we suggest adding  any of the following to your water:cucumbers, strawberries, fresh rosemary, fresh mint,(easy to grow), lemon, lime, any kind of  oranges,...you get the idea. add ice to a pitcher,  pick your add on.... and leave it where  you will go to it easily...
Happy Hydrating!!

TIP ALERT! We made a pact not to drink soda during program time and have been making a water based drink available....it helps! Ok, Now for the 'Instructions  for proper hydrating


Instructions
Things You'll Need
Water!
1
Drink Water!
Stay away from caffeinated beverages such as soda, tea or coffee.  Caffeine acts as a diuretic and can affect hydration status if someone were to drink it in excessive amounts. Sports drinks are useful only after a game! These are  high in sodium and will not replenish the body as well as water . Also, be wise that alcohol can in no way help to hydrate your body. Alcohol will cause hypohydration by decreasing production of the Anti Diuretic Hormone. Although, your urine might seem the appropriate color for a hydrated individual, this is never the case.
2
The Right Amount!
Several studies have been conducted on what amount of water one should consume during a given day. Articles reveal that 8 glasses of water is the amount while others say that you should only drink when you are thirsty.  The actual recommended amount of water is 30 milliliters per kilogram of body weight. This takes into account the various sizes of each individual. It is important to slowly drink this water throughout the day. Chugging the recommended amount puts a pressure load on your kidneys. It forces you to urinate most of the water out of your body, not allowing it to soak into your cells and tissue.

Read more: How to Hydrate | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5077988_hydrate.html#ixzz1lMX0I4EL



Does Dehydration Cause Headaches?

Yes, dehydration can cause headaches. Dehydration is the loss of water and electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride and potassium, which are necessary for the body to function. The main cause of dehydration is not drinking enough water to maintain healthy levels. A variety of unpleasant symptoms occur when this happens, including headaches. Severe dehydration is serious and potentially life threatening.




What are the Symptoms of Dehydration?

Read more @ http://headaches.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Alternative-treatments/Dehydration-and-Headaches-Does-Dehydration-Cause-Headaches-.htm




How Do Diabetics Stay Hydrated?

Read more: How Do Diabetics Stay Hydrated? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5037863_diabetics-stay-hydrated.html#ixzz1lQkETXfA


Does Dehydration Cause Headaches?

Yes, dehydration can cause headaches. Dehydration is the loss of water and electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride and potassium, which are necessary for the body to function. The main cause of dehydration is not drinking enough water to maintain healthy levels. A variety of unpleasant symptoms occur when this happens, including headaches. Severe dehydration is serious and potentially life threatening.




What are the Symptoms of Dehydration?

Read more @ http://headaches.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Alternative-treatments/Dehydration-and-Headaches-Does-Dehydration-Cause-Headaches-.htm




How Do Diabetics Stay Hydrated?

Read more: How Do Diabetics Stay Hydrated? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5037863_diabetics-stay-hydrated.html#ixzz1lQkETXfA

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