11/01/2010

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 heatwaves 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.

www.kidney.org.au

Media Enquiries:
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0416 149 863
Ron Smith National Communications Manager Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201