Moul Mouj Health Corner
Eat light, freshly prepared meals with plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, curd, buttermilk, soups, and adequate water. Watermelon, cucumber, melon, and citrus fruits are good choices. Limit sugary. . .
Eat light, freshly prepared meals with plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, curd, buttermilk, soups, and adequate water. Watermelon, cucumber, melon, and citrus fruits are good choices. Limit sugary drinks, excessive tea or coffee, fried and spicy foods, packaged juices, and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration or digestive discomfort. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or heart failure, follow the diet advised by your doctor. Q:I am62 years oldand feel unusually thirsty during summer. Is this normal?A:Excessive thirst may indicate dehydration but also think of uncontrolled diabetes. Do not wait until you feel thirsty—drink fluids regularly, especially in hot weather and check your blood sugar. Q:My father (84 yrs) hardly drinks water because he says he never feels thirsty. What should we do?A:Older adults often lose their natural thirst signal, making dehydration very common in summer. Encourage small amounts of water, light lassi, or soups throughout the day (upto 4 pm) rather than waiting for thirst. Q:I am78 years oldand get muscle cramps during hot afternoons. Why does this happen?A:Summer heat can cause dehydration and loss of salts, leading to muscle cramps. Adequate fluids and a balanced diet usually help. Persistent cramps should be medically evaluated. Q:My mother (80 yrs) feels confused on very hot days but improves after drinking fluids. Is this related to heat?A:Yes. In elderly, dehydration may first appear as confusion, forgetfulness, or drowsiness rather than thirst. This requires prompt fluid replacement and medical attention if symptoms persist. Q:I am75 years oldand sweat very little even in extreme heat. Is that a problem?A:Ageing reduces the body’s ability to sweat, making it harder to cool down. Older adults can develop heat-related illness even without excessive sweating. Stay indoors during peak heat and remain well hydrated. Q:My father (79 yrs) has high blood pressure. Should he drink more water during summer?A:Most older adults benefit from adequate hydration during hot weather. However, those with heart failure or advanced kidney disease should follow their doctor’s advice regarding fluid intake. But small sips of water along the day are usually harmless. Q:I am81 years oldand my urine has become dark yellow in summer. Should I be concerned?A:Dark urine often suggests dehydration. Increase your fluid intake unless your doctor has advised fluid restriction. If it persists or is associated with pain or fever, seek medical evaluation. Q:My mother (76 yrs) becomes exhausted after spending only a few minutes outdoors in the afternoon. Is this due to ageing?A:Not necessarily. Elderly people tolerate heat poorly and can develop heat exhaustion quickly. Avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours and stay in cool, shaded environments. Q:I am73 years oldand have stopped going for my daily walk because of the heat. How can I stay active?A:Walk early in the morning or after sunset when temperatures are lower. Indoor exercises or walking in corridor, stretching, and light strength training are also excellent ways to remain active during summer. Q:My father (85 yrs) takes water tablets (diuretics). Does summer increase his risk of dehydration?A:Yes. Diuretics increase water loss, and hot weather further raises the risk of dehydration. Never stop the medicine yourself, but discuss fluid intake and medication review with your doctor. Q:I am77 years oldand feel lightheaded after working in the garden during summer. What should I do?A:Stop the activity immediately during hot days, move to a cool place, drink fluids if you are able, and rest. Persistent dizziness, fainting, or confusion requires medical attention. Q:My mother (82 yrs) prefers tea instead of water throughout the day. Is that enough during summer?A:Tea contributes to fluid intake, but it should not be the only source. Water, fresh lemon water, light lassi, coconut water (if medically appropriate), and soups help maintain better hydration. Q:I am74 years oldand my constipation becomes worse during summer. Why does this happen?A:Hot weather increases fluid loss through sweating. If you do not drink enough water, stools become hard and difficult to pass. Adequate hydration, a fiber-rich diet, and regular physical activity help prevent constipation. Q:My mother (81 yrs) develops burning while passing urine almost every summer. Is dehydration responsible?A:Dehydration can make urine more concentrated and increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in older women. Burning, fever, frequent urination, or confusion should be evaluated promptly by a doctor. Q:I am79 years oldand have lost my appetite during the hot weather. Should I be worried?A:A reduced appetite is common in summer, but older adults can quickly become weak and malnourished if they eat too little. Have small, frequent, nutritious meals, stay well hydrated, and seek medical advice if poor appetite persists or is accompanied by weight loss. Q:I am78 years oldand spend most of the day sitting directly under a fan. Can this cause dehydration?A:A fan itself does not cause dehydration. However, continuous airflow can increase evaporation from the skin and make you less aware of ongoing fluid loss, especially during hot weather. Older adults should continue drinking water regularly even if they feel cool under a fan, as the sensation of thirst is often reduced with age. Ask your questions at:WhatsApp: 6005463346, Email: ask@moulmoujfoundation. org