By Emma Schneider
Summer has rolled around in Southern Arizona once again and the temperatures are rising — along with the dangers of dehydration.
Many Tucsonans have probably experienced going about their business on a warm summer day and finding they have either run out of water or are just not drinking enough to stay hydrated.
The first signs of dehydration are a dry mouth, increased thirst, decreased urine output, dizziness, a headache and fatigue, according to eMedicineHealth. Severe dehydration can lead to reduced sweating, sunken eyes, shriveled skin, low blood pressure, an increased heart rate, fever, delirium and unconsciousness.
The worst cases can end in a coma or even death.
Many Tucsonans have probably experienced going about their business on a warm summer day and finding they have either run out of water or are just not drinking enough to stay hydrated.
The first signs of dehydration are a dry mouth, increased thirst, decreased urine output, dizziness, a headache and fatigue, according to eMedicineHealth. Severe dehydration can lead to reduced sweating, sunken eyes, shriveled skin, low blood pressure, an increased heart rate, fever, delirium and unconsciousness.
The worst cases can end in a coma or even death.
Robert Martin, 82, a retired commodities trader, said he went to the hospital in October 2018 to get IV fluids because he became dehydrated. At the time that he became dehydrated it was only about 80 degrees, warm but not hot by Tucson standards.
When Martin became dehydrated, he said, he was confused, fatigued and lethargic. He wasn’t even outside when he became dehydrated; he was sitting inside of his house.
Being so tired and confused led Martin to seek medical help. When he arrived at the hospital he thought something else was wrong with him, and he was surprised to discover the culprit was dehydration.
Nursing staff at Tucson Medical Center hooked up fluids via IV as soon as they found out his problem. He just hadn’t taken in enough water considering the dry air.
To guard against dehydration, Yesenia Gamez, an intern in the interpretation department at Saguaro National Park, suggested drinking water in small amounts every 15 minutes, plus avoiding sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
Rebecca Knope, a registered nurse who enjoys hiking, said education about dehydration is critical in the Southwest desert. Knowing the dangers and solutions can be the first step in preventing extreme illness from dehydration. She stressed that people should bring a lot of water on their hikes.
“Wear a light white, long-sleeved shirt, and pour water on the shirt to keep moisture on yourself,” Knope said.
Another great idea, Knope said, is to wrap a wet rag around your neck while hiking, to keep yourself from overheating.
“It can be bad to drink ice water when you are dehydrated because it can cause you to throw up,” Knope said, further exacerbating dehydration.
Dehydration is a key concern at Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort and Spa, a resort in northeast Tucson for people who want to eat well, unwind and exercise — which means bike riding and hiking among other outside activities.
Susan Watkins, Canyon Ranch hiking guide, said she drinks plenty of water before hiking. Watkins said she wears a wide-brimmed hat, long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect herself from the heat and sun.
Watkins said she often brings a source of protein, such as an egg, or something salty because when you’re dehydrated you lose a lot of salt from your body.
“Each staff member carries a packet of electrolytes with them to pour in water in case someone gets dehydrated,” Watkins said. “I generally try to keep an eye on our guests.”
Adults aren’t the only ones susceptible; children are also prone to dehydration.
According to an article from the Mayo Clinic about dehydration, symptoms for children include dry mouth and tongue, no tears when they cry, no wet diapers for a long period of time, sunken eyes and cheeks, sunken soft spot on top of the skull, and lack of interest or irritability.
Dehydration can be treated by drinking water, diluted fruit juice and sports drinks with electrolytes, such as Gatorade.
Watkins said Sabino Canyon has a new sign about water intake that encourages people to drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.
A person fainted on one of her hikes in Sabino, Watkins said. She solved the problem by pouring water on the person’s head to cool them down. Dehydration often leads to heat stroke, and death can result.
Watkins also said planning activities early in the day is smart; going out and getting back inside before the hottest part of the day reduces some of the risks of heat stroke because of cooler mornings. Leave the house before the sun rises and get back before it gets too hot.
Before going out, even if it isn’t to go hiking, grab a water bottle or two, bring towels to dampen skin, and most importantly, when you run out of water, turn around or fill up your bottle.
Do not continue to hike or walk when there isn’t any water left in the water bottle. That can sometimes be the breaking point for something going really wrong on a hike.
When Martin became dehydrated, he said, he was confused, fatigued and lethargic. He wasn’t even outside when he became dehydrated; he was sitting inside of his house.
Being so tired and confused led Martin to seek medical help. When he arrived at the hospital he thought something else was wrong with him, and he was surprised to discover the culprit was dehydration.
Nursing staff at Tucson Medical Center hooked up fluids via IV as soon as they found out his problem. He just hadn’t taken in enough water considering the dry air.
To guard against dehydration, Yesenia Gamez, an intern in the interpretation department at Saguaro National Park, suggested drinking water in small amounts every 15 minutes, plus avoiding sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
Rebecca Knope, a registered nurse who enjoys hiking, said education about dehydration is critical in the Southwest desert. Knowing the dangers and solutions can be the first step in preventing extreme illness from dehydration. She stressed that people should bring a lot of water on their hikes.
“Wear a light white, long-sleeved shirt, and pour water on the shirt to keep moisture on yourself,” Knope said.
Another great idea, Knope said, is to wrap a wet rag around your neck while hiking, to keep yourself from overheating.
“It can be bad to drink ice water when you are dehydrated because it can cause you to throw up,” Knope said, further exacerbating dehydration.
Dehydration is a key concern at Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort and Spa, a resort in northeast Tucson for people who want to eat well, unwind and exercise — which means bike riding and hiking among other outside activities.
Susan Watkins, Canyon Ranch hiking guide, said she drinks plenty of water before hiking. Watkins said she wears a wide-brimmed hat, long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect herself from the heat and sun.
Watkins said she often brings a source of protein, such as an egg, or something salty because when you’re dehydrated you lose a lot of salt from your body.
“Each staff member carries a packet of electrolytes with them to pour in water in case someone gets dehydrated,” Watkins said. “I generally try to keep an eye on our guests.”
Adults aren’t the only ones susceptible; children are also prone to dehydration.
According to an article from the Mayo Clinic about dehydration, symptoms for children include dry mouth and tongue, no tears when they cry, no wet diapers for a long period of time, sunken eyes and cheeks, sunken soft spot on top of the skull, and lack of interest or irritability.
Dehydration can be treated by drinking water, diluted fruit juice and sports drinks with electrolytes, such as Gatorade.
Watkins said Sabino Canyon has a new sign about water intake that encourages people to drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.
A person fainted on one of her hikes in Sabino, Watkins said. She solved the problem by pouring water on the person’s head to cool them down. Dehydration often leads to heat stroke, and death can result.
Watkins also said planning activities early in the day is smart; going out and getting back inside before the hottest part of the day reduces some of the risks of heat stroke because of cooler mornings. Leave the house before the sun rises and get back before it gets too hot.
Before going out, even if it isn’t to go hiking, grab a water bottle or two, bring towels to dampen skin, and most importantly, when you run out of water, turn around or fill up your bottle.
Do not continue to hike or walk when there isn’t any water left in the water bottle. That can sometimes be the breaking point for something going really wrong on a hike.