Issued Quarterly

June 2004

STILLWATER---Water is one of the things your body needs every day to be healthy.  Many people tend to overlook water when they think about what they can do to get healthy and stay healthy.  Most people know they need good food, rest and exercise for health, but often forget that they also need to get enough water. 

Your body will send signals when you are thirsty that can be overlooked.  Watch for these body signals that you need water.  Thirst is the first sign, but as people age, they may not feel thirsty.  Getting enough water is very important for older people.  Lack of water is one of the most frequent reasons people over 65 go to the hospital.

After thirst may come dry mouth, headache, and fatigue.  The body gets warmer, breathing gets faster, and pulse rate goes up.  Without enough water, you may feel tired, nauseous, and not very hungry.  You may also feel confused and not be able to think straight.  You may feel dizzy and weak as your need for water becomes more severe.

It is a good habit to drink water even before you feel thirsty.  Most people need to drink 8 cups of water or water-based beverages every day.  If you exercise or sweat a lot in the heat, you will need more.  As the hot months of summer approach, be sure to have plenty of chilled water in the fridge.  Getting in the habit of drinking more fluids may take time, so increase the amount you drink slowly and soon you’ll be drinking what you need.

Prepared by:

Norma Devault

NSCI student

Spring 2004

and

Stephany Parker, Ph.D.

CNEP Nutrition Assistant Specialist

spp@okstate.edu