Discussions

Dehydration can sneak up on someone and at first either the person or the people they are with don't even notice until you are in serious trouble.  
 
Seniors if you ask them if they are ok, may just say yes as they don't realize they are dehydrated.  
 
Points to remember:  
Keep hydrated with water.  
Never leave children in a car even with the window down. Even if they are a little older: dehydration in a car comes on fast.  
Never leave your elderly parent in the car even if running with air conditioner on. I did this with my mom once and came out and she had shut off the car so to save me gas. And had her door open to let in air.  
Never leave pets in the car unless windows are letting air in. Only for short trips. Better to leave them at home so they have shade and their water. Being in your house even without air conditioning is better than being in the car.  
Wear a hat.  
Use sunscreen.  
Don't be out if possible in the hottest time of the day.  
Just because it is windy and feels cooler doesn't mean that you won't get heat stroke and or dehydration.  
 
Learn and know the signs of dehydration.  
 
If you are dehydrated (no tears, little or no urine, thirst that you can feel all the way down your throat: confusion: headache) Go to the ER!  
Don't drive! If by yourself and no one to give you a ride, Call an ambulance.  
Do not drink lots and lots of water at once: this can kill you or cause brain damage. You will be overwhelmed with the thoughts that you must do this. (I know I have been in that situation) ER can provide IV fluids.  
 
Once you have had heat stroke or dehydration, it is very, very easy to get it again compared to someone who has never had it.  
 
Be Safe! Watch for the signs in yourself: in your family: and in your pets and your co-workers.  
 
If you see a child, a pet or an elderly person in a car without windows open. Better to be safe than sorry and take action. Perhaps go to the business and have them page the owner to come outside.  
And if they do not in a reasonable time, call 911.  
 
All cars except a Classic, have windows that only open electronically. no more days of being able to wind down the window for air.  
 
For working in hot conditions, read the Manitoba guidelines Thermal Stress in the Workplace Manitoba Health and Safety