Health Tip: Prevent Dehydration

(HealthDay News) -- It''s easy to get dehydrated if you''re not careful. A stomach bug, sweating outside in the hot weather, and just not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, a serious condition.

Stay well-hydrated with these suggestions from the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Drink plenty of fluids -- especially water -- each day.
• When exercising or sweating, and during hot weather, be sure to drink more water.
• Elderly people, children and people who are sick need to be carefully monitored to prevent dehydration.
• Drink plenty of fluids if you are vomiting, have a fever, or have diarrhea.
• If you think you may be starting to get dehydrated, contact your doctor at once -- before you start to have symptoms.
• Warning signs of dehydration may include: not producing tears, sunken eyes, little or no urine output for eight hours or more, rapid heartbeat, listlessness, and dry skin, mouth or eyes.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: July 28, 2008

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