Running into hot weather

Summer campaigning is tough, and politicians, like ordinary mortals, need to stay hydrated.

The elections are well underway and the campaign trail will heat up in the coming days. As if on cue, the oncoming summer means that the temperature is steadily heading upwards. It’s looking like quite a combination. So, whether you’re monitoring poll trends or not, it’s time to monitor the water intake.

Dehydration is a silent stalker and there’s nothing better than an Indian summer for it to strike. Experts often say that when you feel the urge to drink water and feel thirsty, you are well on your way to dehydration. Experts say that 15 per cent loss of water volume is usually fatal.

Symptoms usually begin with headaches, similar to those experienced during a hangover, muscle cramps, decreased blood pressure and dizziness or fainting when standing up. The initial indicator is always thirst, and often a simple skin test can tell if you are losing water. Just pinch up the skin on your wrist and let it go. The skin should be elastic and not crease at the pinch if you are well hydrated.

As dehydration advances, your urine output will decrease, and whatever urine is excreted will be darker in colour. In moderate to severe dehydration, there may be no urine output at all and lethargy or extreme sleepiness and seizures can set in. One should be particularly alert about the elderly because it is said that at an older age there is diminished sensation of thirst.

The best treatment for minor dehydration to is drink plenty of water and stop the reasons for fluid loss. Doctors, though, recommend sports drinks and other rehydration fluids, as plain water restores only the volume of the blood plasma, inhibiting the thirst mechanism before solute levels can be replenished.

There is one other thing to beware of during a hot and dry summer: protecting your vocal cords. Either prolonged exposure or even sitting in an air-conditioned room for long can dry out your vocal cords. Water helps, but do try to get hold of some slippery-elm (the name of a herb) lozenges. You can also try sipping on marshmallow-root or licorice tea.

Keep sipping this summer. It’ll be soothing. It’ll also be cooling.