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Tag: water

Don’t Wait – Hydrate!

Mon, June 26, 2017 Published by

As the temperatures in Phoenix continue to climb well over 100 degrees, it is particularly important for older adults to stay hydrated.  Water represents an average of 55% of our body weight, and it assists in countless important bodily functions including: regulating our temperature and blood pressure, lubricating and cushioning our joints, and ridding our bodies of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.

Older adults can be at particular risk of dehydration for three key reasons:

  1. A person’s sense of thirst decreases as they age.
  2. Many older adults take medications that can cause them to sweat and urinate more.
  3. As we age, our kidney function decreases, and our kidneys are less able to conserve fluid.

How can you tell when you’re dehydrated?  While we’ve all been told we should drink 8 glasses of water a day, the actual amount of water each individual requires varies based on weight, external temperatures, how active we are, and a variety of other factors.  As a general rule of thumb, if your urine is dark yellow, you should be drinking more water.  Pale/light yellow urine typically indicates adequate hydration.  It may also be a sign of dehydration if you get dizzy standing up, if you’re unusually confused, if you are constipated, if you have a headache, if you are experiencing dry mouth, or if you have muscle spasms.

Following these tips can help ensure you are well hydrated this summer:

  1. Carry a water bottle around campus and on errands, so you remember to drink throughout the day.
  2. Choose water when eating out.  You will be better hydrated, save money, and reduce calories.
  3. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Fruits and vegetables have a high water content, and they’re rich in vitamins and minerals.
  4. Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste and help you drink more water than you usually do.
  5. Take sips from a glass of water, milk or juice between bites during meals.
  6. Drink a full glass of water if you need to take a pill.
  7. Have a glass of water before you exercise or go outside to garden or walk, and another glass when you are done.
  8. If you drink alcoholic beverages or coffee, do so sensibly and in moderation. Alcohol and caffeine can contribute to dehydration. 
  9. Don’t stop drinking liquids if you have a urinary control problem. Talk with your doctor about treatment.

With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a happier, healthier, hydrated summer!

 

Safety Tip: Heat Exhaustion

Fri, May 19, 2017 Published by

Heat exhaustion is most likely the culprit when a worker experiences an excessive loss of water and salt and is sweating profusely. Among those most prone to heat exhaustion are employees who work in hot environments such as laundry, grounds, cooks, and maintenance, or who have high blood pressure or who are elderly.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:heat-clipart-gceLkArcd

  • Nausea
  • Heavy sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dizziness, confusion
  • Clammy, moist skin
  • Pale or flushed complexion
  • Fast and shallow breathing
  • Extreme weakness or fatigue
  • Slightly elevated body temperature

According to the Arizona Department of Health Statistics, nearly 1,500 people in Arizona died between 1992 and 2009 from exposure to excessive natural heat due to weather conditions.

Employees working in hot environments should be trained in first-aid treatment of heat exhaustion. When workers succumb to heat exhaustion:

  • Place them in a cool, shaded or air conditioned are to rest.
  • Help them drink plenty of water or other cool non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.
  • If possible, have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

thirst-1409747Some common myths about heat stress are:

  • Medications and health conditions don’t affect one’s ability to work safely in the heat. Health and medication can affect how the body handles working in high temperatures. Workers at risk in high temperatures are those who are obese and/or have diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Medications to control these ailments can affect a body’s ability to cool down.
  • Unlike heat exhaustion, there is no sweating with heat stroke. Workers suffering from heat stroke may continue to produce sweat, as well as to show symptoms of confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures and high body temperature. Heat stroke is life-threatening and must be dealt with immediately: give first-aid treatment and call 911 for medical help.
  • Using salt tablets will restore electrolytes lost to sweating. Do not use salt tablets unless a doctor approves their use. Workers should drink small amounts of water (1 cup per 15-20 minutes) to maintain good hydration. Eating regular meals and snacks provides enough salt and electrolytes to replace those lost through sweating, as long as enough water is consumed. However, drinking extreme amounts of water is harmful; workers should generally not drink more than 12 quarts (48 cups) in a 24-hour period.
  • Taking a work break in an air-condition are will ruin workers’ acclimation. Air-conditioned break areas offer an effective way to cool down.

For more information and tips on how to avoid heat exhaustion visit www.copperpoint.com and search for “Heat Stress”.

Source: CDC, NIOSH

Wellness Challenge Almost Over

Mon, July 11, 2016 Published by

Did you miss picking up your Chug-A-Jug Wellness Challenge tracking sheet at our last All Staff? There’s still time! Swing by the HR office and start tracking now.Picture1

All you have to do is mark off a bottle each day you drink at least 64 ounces of water and mark off a dumbbell each day you exercise for 30 minutes. The goal is to encourage healthier habits by decreasing the number of sugar-sweetened beverages consumed and replacing them with water while also encouraging exercise.

The challenge ends on July 21st so get tracking!

cigna-logo-ogGrand prize is four tickets plus a parking pass to Wet N’ Wild Phoenix Water Park!

Wellness Challenge Update

Tue, July 5, 2016 Published by

Picture1Did you miss picking up your Chug-A-Jug Wellness Challenge tracking sheet at our last All Staff? There’s still time! Swing by the HR office and start tracking now.

All you have to do is mark off a bottle each day you drink at least 64 ounces of water and mark off a dumbbell each day you exercise for 30 minutes. The goal is to encourage healthier habits by decreasing the number of sugar-sweetened beverages consumed and replacing them with water while also encouraging exercise.

The challenge ends on July 21st so get to tracking!

cigna-logo-ogGrand prize is four tickets plus a parking pass to Wet N’ Wild Phoenix Water Park!

 

 

Wellness Challenge

Mon, June 20, 2016 Published by

Did you miss picking up your Chug-A-Jug Wellness Challenge tracking sheet at our last All Staff? There’s still time! Swing by the HR office and start tracking now.

All you have to do is mark off a bottle each day you drink at least 64 ounces of water and mark off a dumbbell each day you exercise for 30 minutes. The goal is to encourage healthier habits by decreasing the number of sugar-sweetened beverages consumed and replacing them with water while also encouraging exercise.

The challenge ends on July 21st so get to tracking!

Grand prize is four tickets plus a parking pass to Wet N’ Wild Phoenix Water Park!

Picture1 cigna-logo-og

Heat Relief Station at Beatitudes Campus

Mon, June 20, 2016 Published by

Did you know the campus is a heat relief station for people that need a cool drink?images

The Human Resources office has water that has been donated from the City of Phoenix and Heat Relief Network. This program runs from May 1st to October 1st every year. They can sit in our lobby and cool off for up to 30 minutes and get a drink to help avoid dehydration and possibly heat exhaustion. We have also extended this to their pets. So a person can come in with their pet and we can offer water to both. Phoenix has reached record heats of 122 degrees and not everyone has access to water. As part of our culture we want to stand out in the community and help those in need. If someone asks you about the heat relief station please send them over to the Human Resources office Monday-Friday from 7AM-4:30PM.

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