Stay hydrated in this week’s heatwave

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning in the Los Angeles and Orange County regions until Monday, Sept. 9.

While no excessive heat wave warnings have been specifically issued for Seal Beach as of press time, high temperatures are expected to vary by more than 11 degrees within a span of three days, which may affect the body’s ability to adapt and increase the risk of heatrelated illnesses. LW residents can go to Clubhouses from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. to find relief from the heat. Residents are encouraged to drink more water, limit outdoor activities to early in the morning or later in the evening, and wear light colored, loose-fitting clothes and seek shade whenever outside.

One of the most important things seniors need to focus on during a heat wave is staying hydrated. According to the Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 20% to 30% of older adults are affected by dehydration.

Symptoms of dehydration include changes in attention span, loss of executive function or motor coordination, dry lips or tongue, fatigue, headaches constipation and dark urine. Severe dehydration symptoms include cool skin despite the temperature, and rapid heart rate.

To stay hydrated, residents should take frequent, small sips of water or tea throughout the day (coffee and alcohol are dehydrating, despite being liquids, avoid drinking large amounts of both) and eat hydrating foods like cucumber, celery, strawberries and watermelon. If exercising, consume more water than when resting.