What you need to know about dehydration

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Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids (mostly water) that it takes in. Dehydration causes more water to leave our bodies than we take in through water consumption. It is normal for us as humans to excrete a certain amount of water each day. Water escapes from the body as water vapor every day as we breathe (exhale) and as we excrete fluids through sweat, urine, and stool. Other than water, small amounts of salts are also excreted. However, when we lose too much water, our bodies can become dehydrated. This can lead to certain health problems and in severe cases, can lead to death.

Causes of dehydration

·       Significant injuries to skin, such as burns or mouth sores, or severe skin diseases or infections (water is lost through the damaged skin)

·       Diseases such as diabetes

·       Fever, heat exposure, and too much exercise

·       Vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination due to infection

·       The inability to seek appropriate water and food (as in the case of a disabled person)

·       An impaired ability to drink (for instance, someone in a coma or on a respirator)

Symptoms of dehydration. The signs and symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe and include:

·       Increased thirst

·       Confusion

·       Dizziness

·       Fainting

·       Dry mouth and swollen tongue

·       Weakness

·       Palpitations

·       Sluggishness fainting

·       Inability to sweat

·       Decreased urine output

·       Deep yellow or amber colored urine

See your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

·       Increased or constant vomitingfor more than a day

·       Fever over 101°F

·       Diarrheafor more than 2 days

·       Weight loss

·       Decreased urine production

·       Confusion

·       Weakness

Self-treatment for dehydration

·       Sip small amounts of water

·       Drink carbohydrate/electrolyte-containing drinks. (i.e. sports drinks such as Gatorade)

·       Suck on ice chips or popsicles made from juices and sports drinks

·       Get out of the sun and get into air conditioned or fanned environment

 

How to get better skin now

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How to get better skin now

Everyone wants great looking, healthy skin.  This comes from treating your body and your skin better.  Below are some tips for getting the healthy skin every day. If you have major concerns, or seem to have a skin condition that is not going away, make an appointment with your dermatologist. 

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Are you suffering from seasonal depression

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Seasonal depression is also known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.  This typically happens during the winter when we are locked in our homes for a few days. With seasonal depression syndrome, people start feeling a sense of being confined to their homes, with no sun exposure due to the cold cloudy days. It is a form of depression that is associated with the change in seasons and occurs at the same time every year.

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Top foods to burn more fat

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Top foods to burn more fat

Whole grains. Whole grains are rich in fiber. Eating whole grains allows our bodies to burn twice as many calories compared to when we eat unhealthy, high-fat processed foods. The fiber found in whole grains is important because that’s what makes us feel fuller for a longer amount of time, ultimately curbing our appetite. Good sources of whole grains: oatmeal, brown rice, whole oats, whole rye, and quinoa.

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Study: We are waking up too early

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Study: We are waking up too early

A study from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine suggests that we are waking up too early for work and school. The study was published in the journal Sleep. It is recommended that people should be get about 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. According to the CDC, 30% of employed adults in the United States do not get that much sleep. A lack of sleep decreases long-term productivity, quality of skin, sex drive.

 

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Toxic household products to avoid

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Toxic household products to avoid

Nonstick pans. Many nonstick pans contain trace amounts of a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. The pans’ non-stick lining can scratch or chip off into your food. Alternative: Use cast iron or stainless steel cookware, and natural, non-stick sprays such as olive oil.

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