Last week, I told my friend, “We wrote an article about your being hospitalized for dehydration. We shared it with others so they won’t experience the same problem.” She replied, “It was an expensive lesson. It cost me P9,000 to stay in the hospital overnight.” Another friend added, “My physical therapist said that it isn’t wise to go to the hospital at this time, because even its corridors are full of patients.”
Every day, we hear reports about the latest temperature reading for the summer. The real problem isn’t the discomfort the heat brings but its effects on people’s health. Just as health professionals raise awareness about dengue during the rainy season, they should also educate the public about the effects of heat and dehydration during the summer months.
Parents can train their youngsters to drink water more than softdrinks and coffee. Drinking water or natural juice cleanses and energizes the cells of the body. More tips:
Boil some pandan leaves or lemongrass in water. Put in a pitcher and chill in the fridge. This flavored drink is invigorating.
Keep some sliced watermelon in the fridge for people to take whenever they’re feeling hot.
Mix some slices of lemon or peeled santol with seeds in a pitcher of chilled water.
You have to find ways to drink more without adding a lot of sugar into your body. Use natural flavors. Remember, going to a hospital costs a lot.
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