KIDNEY HEALTH AUSTRALIA
Media Release
Jan 11th
2009
Play It Cool National Heatwave Warning For Kidney Patients
Quench thirst with water nature’s choice.
Kidney Health Australia today called on people with kidney disease to play it cool in heat waves to
save stress on their kidneys by maintaining their levels of hydration by quenching their thirst with
water nature’s choice
One in seven Australians have some form of Chronic Kidney Disease
Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia, Dr Tim Mathew said, apart from taking steps to remain in cool
places during excessive heat it is important for anyone especially older people to ensure they kept their fluids
up. If people do not have enough fluids to keep their body hydrated, eventually urination stops and kidneys will
fail.“
Dr Mathew said,”Impaired signalling mechanisms in the elderly mean that they do not feel thirsty, even though
they may be dehydrated.”
“
People caring for an elderly person need to realise they may need prompting around fluid intake. Some
negative effects of dehydration in the elderly may include mental confusion, dry skin, migraines, low blood
pressure with dizziness, digestive complications and persistent constipation.”
Dr Mathew said Kidney Health Australia’s simple tips include
Keep a jug of water in the fridge
Ask for a bottle of water for your table when dining out
Drink one for one - a glass of water to an alcoholic drink
Add lemon, lime or orange to add zest to your water
Try substituting a second cup of coffee or tea, with a glass of water
Take a bottle of water with you wherever you go, especially when travelling
Suck on ice-cubes in hot weather
Some important facts about our internal fluid supply
Fluid loss needs to be replaced.
Body fluid is higher in men than in women, and falls in both with age.
Fluid loss may be more in hot weather and with prolonged exercise.
Most mature adults lose about 2.5 to 3 litres of fluid per day in hot weather.
Elderly people lose about 2 litres per day.
An air traveller can lose approximately 1.5 litres of water during a three-hour flight.
Media Enquiries:
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0416 149 863
Ron Smith Media Communications Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201
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