On several occasions I have made mention of the need to provide the body with sufficient liquid.Several recent episodes make me repeat my appeal to all to ensure sufficient consumption of liquid.

Whenever we are called to an “emergency” assessment we find the major problem that confronts the dilapidated health of the client to be dehydration.

“He can not get up from the bed, and sometimes talks confusedly. He is very weak and can hardly hold a glass. He does not speak clearly and one can hardly hear his voice.” + + +, is the common complaints of the family members. A blood pressure of 80/40mmgH or lower, pulse of 120/min, raised temperature, sticky phlegm and a dried out skin are our usual findings when we make our nursing assessment and observation. “First thing first” we will call for some liquid and start getting the patient to drink one glass, two, three glasses of water and “one for the road” and within an hour or so, the “confused” patient seems to start talking cohesively in a clear voice, getting interested in the personal story of the nurses and wants to even see the “transport” we came with.

Most of the time people do not understand the need for sufficient liquid/fluid intake for themselves and for others. The human body consists of approximately 70% of water and a reduction of 10% can already lead to life-threatening conditions. Confusion comes from the lack of oxygen supply to the brain cells, so does the lethargy and the sticky phlegm that the patient is not able to cough out and troubles him.

It surprises me that in a hot country like Malaysia people are so indifferent to the correct intake of liquid per day.

Of course there are no hard and fast rules of what is the correct amount, since the need depends on many factors such as: body-mass volume, activities, age etc.

However there is a general guideline which says: urine should not be darker than freshly pressed lime juice . I am afraid in most cases it comes closer to the colour of root beer . Not surprising then that many have, as a result, to spend a lot of money for the consequences resulting from dehydration.

People buy Vitamins to feel strong, yet neglect the vital liquid intake.

Dehydration is not a peculiarity of elderly people only, no, it affects the majority of the population.

Have you ever wondered how the body cleanses itself of waste products left over from the metabolism function? It is primarily through the cleansing by the kidneys. (If our kidneys fail we become life endangered and need to have a dialysis every 2 – 3 days. Failing which we become ‘poisoned' by our own ‘waste products'.

And the Ladies should know that the major contributory factor to developing wrinkles in their face is the lack of liquid in their body. Wrinkles are primarily symptoms of chronic dehydration. So instead of spending money, money, money for doubtful effective cosmetics, most of them would be helped by increasing their liquid intake.

Ever asked Claudia Schiffer for the secret of her complexion?? She and all the Models drink liters of water a day, this and sufficient sleep are the ingredients for a beautiful complexion.

Avoid landing in an emergency situation as a result of neglecting the necessity of liquid.

Go to the pharmacy and you will find a lot of good medications that is reasonable priced. However if you open your spice box you will certainly find cumin and fennel. Make a tea and you will see the positive effect within a few hours. It is easily available, cheap, effective and safe. You can use the spice directly in cooked food.

is one of the main problems with elderly people, especially in hot climates. Assist the liquid intake by offering additional fruits that contain a lot of water and minerals, which are “complimentary”. Water melons, star fruits and papayas, are just a few fruits rich in water, vitamins and minerals. Give them as cut fruit or as fresh juice.

Contrary to the general assumption, bananas do not cause constipation. Bananas are very rich in fiber and will soak themselves full of liquid (the reason they also help when purging) thereby assuring that faeces does not harden and become difficult to discharge. How many one has to eat will differ from one person to another.

There prevails a misconception that part of aging is that the muscles will lose their strength and volume and are bound to deteriorate. Muscles are developed by using them and the more they are used the more they will grow in volume and strength. The problem is that older people do not use their muscles as much as they did in the younger years and this causes them to diminish. To avoid this, senior citizens, should have regular exercise, move as much as possible, do some physical work and keep themselves busy and occupied. Swimming is one of the safest sports to keep fit and does not cause undue strain on joints.

(Avoid having your tea or juice served by the maid or relatives. “Get up, take it your selves” as it will keep you ‘independent' and fit.)