When traveling or touring in Israel or other hot climates dehydration is a real concern. Dehydration is caused when a person loses more body fluid by sweating or urinating than is being replaced by drinking. Even a small amount of dehydration, amounting to just 2% of body weight, can affect a child. Dehydration also increases the risk of other heat-related illnesses, because it interferes with the body's ability to regulate temperature.
In Israel, if you are in the slightest doubt whether a person is suffering from a serious case of dehydration dial 101 immediately and they will alert United Hatzalah's 1300 volunteers who are located throughout Israel.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
* dry or sticky mouth
* thirst
* low or no urine output; concentrated urine appears dark yellow
* not producing tears
* being irritable or cranky
* seeming bored or uninterested
* headache
* dizziness
* cramps
* chills
* fatigue
In severe cases, dehydration can cause:
* sunken eyes
* sunken soft spot, or fontanelle, on the top of the head in an infant
* nausea or vomiting
* lethargy or coma
For Rehydration try to have the patient...
* Sip small amounts of water via a cup or straw.
* Drink carbohydrate/electrolyte-containing drinks.
* Suck on ice chips or popsicles made from juices and sports drinks.
.jpg?BannerID=38)
.jpg?BannerID=37)
