Birches Hosts Hydration Workshop

On Tuesday, December 17th, Legacy Healthcare will host a hydration workshop at The Birches Assisted Living. Legacy Rehab Director Melissa Banevich-Glaros will lead the workshop and will discuss the importance of hydration, the repercussions of dehydration, and various methods for staying hydrated.

Because our bodies are composed of 70 percent water, hydration is one of the most important components of good health. Without proper hydration our bodies are unable to perform crucial functions like temperature regulation, waste transportation, and the creation of healthy tissue and cells. “In order to work effectively, [our bodies] must maintain a certain level of fluids,” said Banevich-Glaros. “If this does not occur, our bodies can begin to shut down systems.”

Hydration is particularly important for older adults, who tend to be at an increased risk for dehydration. Age-related changes in the body like declining kidney function can make older adults more susceptible to dehydration. Other factors such as diseases like diabetes or Parkinson’s or the use of certain medications can contribute to dehydration in older adults as well.

Dehydration can take a serious toll on the body. According to Banevich-Glaros, it can lead to dizziness, kidney failure, and increased risk of infection. In extreme cases, dehydration can even lead to death. People of all ages should watch for symptoms of dehydration which can include dry mouth and nose, increased tiredness or weakness, concentrated urine, increased heart rate, and loss of appetite.

The simplest way to prevent dehydration is to drink plenty of water. Older adults, for example, should drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day unless directed otherwise by their healthcare practitioner. In cases where older adults are unwilling or unable to drink this much water there are alternative measures that can be taken to improve hydration. These measures include reducing intake of diuretic medications and coffee and increasing intake of foods with high water content.

“[At the workshop] there will be refreshments that exemplify the process of hydration without utilizing just water, in case any resident does not like drinking water,” said Banevich-Glaros. The Legacy Hydration Workshop will take place at 3:00 p.m.in the 3rd floor activity room.