DANGER IN THE HEAT....

[JonStamford]

Well we seem to be in the middle of a heatwave in Britain. And although temperatures of 30° are commonplace in the United States, they remain relatively rare in the UK. So it's really important to make sure, as a patient, you drink enough water on these days. And that means paying particular attention to it. Maybe even have an alarm set to remind you.

You think I am overreacting? Let me tell you why you're wrong.

A friend of mine told me of a clinic he attended on Monday at an unnamed hospital when a patient came in who had been drinking over the weekend -- I mean alcohol not water. He was substantially dehydrated, disorientated, clearly confused and, in many respects, psychotic. Moreover his behaviour was threatening and aggressive toward staff and other patients.

He was sectioned.

So don't think that dehydration is just a bit of a dry throat. We, as patients, take such strong medication that is is dangerous to become dehydrated. Not just uncomfortable or irritating but downright dangerous. Now go and pour yourself a glass of water.

I mean it

[isis6361]

Dehydration occurs Jon because some people with ipd have such low dopa signals and supplies that they do not feel thirsty and therefore do not know they are dehydrated. The cue for this often has to be other people but when the person lives alone that's hard to do. The same with eating. Try asking yourself if you ever feel hungry? Or do you eat out of habit? Weight loss occurs because the hungry signals are not there.

[cabbagecottage]

I prompt my husband all the time . I have been out for 2hrs and he hasn't drunk a drop , although its right in front of him .I make sure he has a goOd drink before I leave . iT is very hot here today .

[windwsprer]

Very good advice. I live in Florida and am, unfortunately I guess since I hate the heat, aware of this. But I forgot about drinking when I lived up north in the winter. Hmm. Just drink more water maybe.

[jenniferdunstan]

Thank you very much I take this to heart. A few weeks ago I was going to the zoo with my daughter and it was a very hot day even those drinking plenty of fluids I began feeling quite ill and took me several hours in the shade to get over it. I know understand just how different I am from the former person I used to be. I just cannot cope with high temperatures for any amount of time. Sometimes we Don't understand these things until it happens to us.