Not drinking enough fluids in hot weather can be dangerous. At particular risk are older people, who often have a diminished sensation of thirst and can easily neglect to replenish the water they lose by sweating. Here are four tips to help you get safely through summer:
Tip 1: Check the colour of your urine
After using the toilet on hot days, it's a good idea to check the colour of your urine. Light yellow is a good sign, according to the German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine (DGG). Dark yellow, or little urine at all, is an indication of dehydration, it warns.
Tip 2: Weigh yourself daily
"To recognize fluid loss in good time, people aged 65 and over should get on the scales and check their weight daily," advises DGG vascular surgeon Dr Rolf Weidenhagen. If you notice you've lost some weight but haven't changed your eating habits, you should drink more fluids, he says.
The best thing to drink is water, tea or a juice spritzer. Your body will tolerate them better in hot weather if they're lukewarm.
Tip 3: Drink a glass of water hourly
"To avoid dehydration on hot days with temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius, it's best to drink a glass of water hourly," says Weidenhagen. If you tend to be forgetful, he suggests setting an alarm.
Tip 4: Check blood pressure and pulse rate daily
Dehydration can increase the effects of certain medications, such as blood-pressure reducers and beta blockers that are taken by many vascular patients. This can lower blood pressure excessively and cause symptoms such as dizziness, tiredness and weakness. Taking a diuretic as well can make matters worse.
"During heatwaves, patients should therefore measure their blood pressure and pulse rate daily, and make a note of it," Weidenhagen says. If something seems amiss, you should consult your GP and perhaps have your medication dosages temporarily adjusted.
