The Top Ender Magazine October November 2020 Edition

Support | DVA
Department of Veterans' Affairs
Staying
hydrated
through the
wet season
We all know that staying well hydrated is good for our
health, but as we move into the wet season and the
humidity rises, our bodies need more water to sustain
themselves in a healthy way. We often forget to increase
our water consumption in the humid months as we spend
more time inside in the air conditioning.
Water makes up most of your body weight, helps to regulate
body temperature, as well as having benefits for your
brain function, detoxification and digestion. Staying hydrated
also helps the heart to pump blood easily through the blood
vessels to muscles, making your muscles work more efficiently
and reducing the risk of injury.
The first signs of dehydration are thirst, fatigue, dizziness
or constipation. Keeping an eye out for these signs may assist
you in preventing ill health or even heatstroke. Other ways to
The first signs of
dehydration are thirst,
fatigue, dizziness or
constipation
assess your hydration
is through the
colour of your urine.
If your urine is dark
or strongly coloured
you probably haven’t
drunk enough water. You should aim to have clear to pale
yellow urine.
Ensuring you are well hydrated is more than just preventing
heatstroke, it can improve your overall health. Try carrying a
water bottle with you wherever you go, this will also help you
keep track of how much water you are consuming.
If water doesn’t do it for you as a drink, you can try adding
some lemon, lime or fruit to add some flavour. Ensuring that
your diet is full of water-rich foods like vegetables, fruit and
broth-based soups can also assist in hydrating your body.
Remember to continue teaching your children about the importance
of water and offer water as an option rather than sugary
alternatives like cordial or soft drinks.
To find out more about the importance of hydration and
signs of dehydration you can go to www.healthdirect.gov.au/
dehydration.
Jacqueline Cleghorn
Community Support Advisor
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
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