Staying Hydrated in the Heat: Keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe this summer

By Melissa West-Kevan

🧊 Keeping Seniors Safe with Proper Hydration During Summer

As temperatures climb, seniors face a higher risk of dehydration, which can lead to serious conditions like heat stroke, urinary tract infections, and kidney issues. With age, the body’s ability to conserve water weakens, and the sense of thirst diminishes, making it easy to become dehydrated without realizing it.

💧 Tips to Stay Hydrated:

• Encourage water throughout the day, not just when thirsty.

• Include hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and soups.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which contribute to fluid loss.

• Set routines by drinking water with meals and medications.

• Offer electrolyte drinks during high heat or activity.

🚨 How to Tell If Someone Is Dehydrated

Be alert for early warning signs of dehydration. These may include:

• Dry mouth or lips

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Fatigue or weakness

• Dark yellow urine or infrequent urination

• Confusion or irritability

• Headaches

• Rapid heartbeat

📌 Action Steps: Move the person to a cool place and provide fluids. Seek medical attention for severe symptoms or if symptoms persist.

🍲 Hydrating Summer Recipes

🥒 Classic Gazpacho Soup Cool, savory, and packed with fluids!

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped

• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1/4 red onion

• 2 garlic cloves

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 cup cold water

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Chill for 1–2 hours. Serve cold with a garnish of fresh herbs or chopped veggies.

🍉 Chilled Watermelon Soup Refreshing and naturally sweet—perfect for hot days!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed

• 1/2 cucumber, peeled

• Juice of 1 lime

• 4–6 fresh mint leaves

• Pinch of salt

Instructions: Blend until smooth. Chill for 1 hour. Serve garnished with a mint sprig or lime wedge.

📬 Stay Cool, Stay Safe Encourage your loved ones and community members to drink regularly, eat hydrating foods, and recognize the signs of dehydration this summer. A little awareness goes a long way!