Inservice: The Importance of Water



Inservice: The Importance of Water

(Fluids/Hydration)

Objective:

To identify the role fluids play in our health.

Method:

Lecture, discussion, activities, handouts and post test.

Inservice:

• The most important nutrient in our body is water. Sixty percent of our body’s weight is fluid.

• Uses for water in the body:

o Needed in blood, sweat, tears, mucus, and digestive processes.

o Cells use water to transport nutrients and some vitamins are soluble only in water. (i.e., Vitamin C).

o Flushes the system of toxins.

o Regulates body temperature.

o Lubricates joints and cushions the organs.

o Needed to repair tissues.

o Promotes bowel regularity and health.

• Dehydration: a condition in which water or fluid loss (output) far exceeds fluid intake.

• Thirst factor: Do not depend on this to remind you to drink, since thirst lags behind need. By the time you feel thirsty, you have already lost about 2 cups of fluid.

• A 5% loss of fluid can cause you to become dehydrated, which can cause one or more of the following:

o Headache

o Fatigue

o Confusion and forgetfulness

o Increased heart rate

I

o Constipation

o Predisposition to infection

o Death

• Why are the elderly more likely to become dehydrated?

o Lack of sense of thirst

o Aged kidneys

o Illness (i.e., nausea, vomiting, fever)

o Medications (i.e., laxatives and diuretics)

o Decreased total body water due to age.

• How much should one drink?

o It varies based on your activity and your weight. Generally, you need to drink 8 – 12 cups (8 oz/cup of fluid) daily.

o Sources of fluids:

▪ Water

▪ Coffee/Tea

▪ Soda

▪ Popsicles

▪ Juice

▪ Gelatin

• Remember that along with eating a balanced diet daily, it is important that you drink enough fluid to stay healthy.

Post Test: The Importance of Water

(Fluids/Hydration)

1. What percentage of the body is fluids?__________________

2. True/False (circle one) Water in the body regulates body temperature.

3. True/False (circle one) You can depend on your thirst to assure that you keep yourself hydrated.

Post Test Answers:

The Importance of Hydration

1. 60%

2. True

3. False Thirst lags behind need. By the time you feel thirsty, you have already lost about 2 cups of fluid.

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