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Home Senior Care Research Paper

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In Home Senior Care – Staying Hydrated in the Summer We know that vitamins and minerals are important for healthy bodies, but the most important nutrient for our health is often overlooked. What is this essential element of fitness and health? Water. Our bodies are 60 to 80 percent water based on age. The bodies of infants have a higher water content that those who are older. Without water, your muscles cramp up, the blood cannot circulate properly, the body cannot be cooled efficiently, food cannot be processed, and so forth. Seniors do not tend to feel as thirsty as they did when they were younger, even when their fluid levels are low. Fewer feelings of thirst equate to less water consumed. Put together with kidneys that are not as efficient …show more content…

If your loved one will be exercising or spending time in the heat, it is important to avoid alcohol. Since many picnics, fishing tips, and so forth involve alcohol, your senior loved one will want to plan accordingly. If they do drink alcohol during times of summer heat, they will need to consume extra amounts of water or sports drink to replenish lost water. Eating fruits and vegetables is a good way to get extra water in the body. Watermelon and strawberries rank at the top of hydrating foods with 92 percent of their volume coming from water. Grapefruit and cantaloupe have over 90 percent water content, and pineapple, oranges, and raspberries are over 85 percent water. Highly dense vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, and celery also great ways to increase hydration. All of these fruits and vegetables also contain many of the necessary vitamins and minerals lost during the heat of the day. Summers are great times to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. In home senior care personnel can ensure your loved one does it safely while avoiding dehydration. After all, with a little planning, the preparation of healthy, hydrating snacks, and the reminder to drink plenty of water, your senior loved one can beat the summer

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