Combat Summer Dehydration Dehydration is one of the heat related illness caused due to the loss of water and salts from the body. A research by 'American College of Sports Medicine' shows that more than 300 people die of heat related illnesses every year. The study also confirmed that children are more susceptible to dehydration and heat illness than adults and once the children are dehydrated its almost impossible for them to regain their health. To combat summer dehydration, read the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment. Safeguard your family from the summer heat follow these useful guidelines. Causes

A wide range of diseases and states that impair water homeostasis in the body can cause dehydration. Some of them include, diarrhea, vomiting, yellow fever, excessive sweating, prolonged exposure to dry air and sun, physical activity without consuming any fluids or water, malnutrition etc.

Symptoms

Dehydration signs and symptoms include,
· Headache or nausea
· Decreased blood pressure
· Dizziness or fainting
· Loss of appetite, dry mouth and dry skin
· Reduced amount of urine production that is usually dark yellow. In severe condition there may be no urine output at all.
· Flushed face with sunken eyes
· Absence of tears while crying
· Lack of sweating
· In most severe cases, delirium or unconsciousness.

Prevention

Dehydration can be prevented with theses simple tips,
· Drink atleast 8 ounce glasses of fluid everyday during summer.
· Avoid dark coloured clothes and wear absorbable loose fitting clothes.
· Avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages.
· Sport athletes should drink sports drinks as they are flavored and are high in sodium. Drink before, during and after strenuous activity to replace the loss of fluid through sweat.
· Protect your skin with sunblock and stay in cool and shaded areas. Use an umbrella every time you walk out in the hot sun.
Treatment

The best treatment for dehydrations is drinking lot of fluids that will retain the water level in the body. The treatment also depends on the age, causes and severity of dehydration.

Treat dehydrated sick children or infants, by using an oral rehydration solution such as pedialyte, WHO-ORS for children who have diarrhea, vomiting and fever. You can even make your own oral rehydration solution by mixing = teaspoon salt, = teaspoon baking soda, 3 tablespoons sugar and 1litre of filtered drinking water. Make sure the measurements are apt as the excess or less may be harmful or less effective respectively. Before giving the solution consult the nearby doctor for the right amount of usage. Avoid giving your child salty soups, sodas, boiled milk or fruit juice as it may make the situation worse.

For adults the best dehydration treatment is intake of more water. Avoid fruit juices, sodas and beverages that contain caffeine. For adults who are dehydrated due to outdoor games in hot sun or exercise, cool water is the best treatment. Intake of sports drink containing electrolytes and carbohydrates is also useful. However, severe dehydration should be treated by the expert doctors as the severity may even lead to death. In such cases the essential fluids are passed through vein and not orally.

Adolescence - Growing up the hard way The Origin of the word Adolescence is from the Latin verb 'adolescere', which means, "to grow up." It can be defined as the transitional stage of development between childhood and full adulthood, representing the period of time during which a person is biologically adult but emotionally not at full maturity. It represents the period of time during which a juvenile matures into adulthood. Major physiologic, cognitive, and behavioral changes take place during this period. During the period of adolescence, biological development and psychosocial development overlap. A person's body undergoes dramatic changes. Psychological issues of adolescents Maturity in body leads to an interest in sexual activities, sometimes leading to teenage pregnancy. Tendency and possibility of drug and alcohol use. In some cases mental problems such as schizophrenia, eating disorders and depression.

The emotional instability among some adolescents also sometimes causes youth crime.

Searching for a unique identity is one of the problems that adolescents often face. At this age, role models such as sports players, rock stars and movie and television performers are very popular, and adolescents often express a desire to be like their chosen role model.

Developmental tasks such as developing an identity, becoming independent are accomplished in adolescence. Sexual maturity is attained during this period

As "Adolescence" is a cultural and social phenomenon, its endpoints are not easily tied to physical milestones. It varies by culture. In the United States, it is generally considered to begin around age 13, and end around 24. But the World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as the period of life between 10 and 20 years of age.

The terms "adolescents," "youth," "young adults" and "young people" are used interchangeably. Change is the identification of adolescence. Growth of facial hair for boys and beginning of menstruation for girls, take place from ages nine to 14 for boys and ages eight to 13 for girls. Young people begin to establish new interests and relationships. They become independent of their parents.

From adolescent to adult

People become adults at various ages of the teenage years. When an adolescent becomes adult, he considers sexual relations, marriage and parenthood. These are the signs of maturity. He seeks information and clues about sexual life from different sources such as parents, peers, religious leaders, health providers, teachers, magazines, books and mass media. But most of the information he obtained is incorrect, incomplete or misleading.

Sex Education and adolescents

Education on reproduction typically describes the process of a new human being coming into existence in stages including conception, the development of the embryo and fetus, and the birth of the new baby. It often includes topics such as sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and how to avoid them, as well as methods of contraception.

Sex education for adolescence is a controversial topic. But the existence of AIDS has given a new dimension to it. In many AIDS affected African nations, scientists consider sex education as a vital strategy for preserving the health of citizens.