The Problem: When the water we use
or lose each day, through normal body functions (urination, defecation
and sweating) is not replaced dehydration results. Dehydration
severely reduces the body’s ability to function efficiently
which frequently results in poor decision making and accidents
occurring. The loss of one to two quarts of water, from a starting
water level of about twenty quarts in the body, can result in
a significant reduction in working efficiency.
Contributing Factors:
Altitude - The air we breathe contains
less humidity as we travel higher -- dry air has to be humidified
before it reaches the lungs.
Many of the fluids (coffee, tea,
alcohol and colas) we drink daily contain diuretics, chemicals
that cause us to lose even more water.
Increased activity increases water
loss by sweating.
Injury and illness, especially
diarrhea, can increase water loss.
Mouth breathing increases water
loss.
Note:
Dehydration is a contributing factor in many other medical problems
that occur in the outdoors. It is also a significant factor in
determining how successfully the body can keep itself warm --
a dehydrated person will have a much more difficult time staying
warm than a hydrated one.
Water disinfecting:
Boiling - Bringing water to a rolling
boil is sufficient to kill all harmful organisms
Halogens - Chemicals such as iodine
and chlorine kill microorganisms.
Filtration - Filters remove all
harmful agents except viruses.
Purifiers - remove all harmful
agents including viruses.
"TREATING
DEHYDRATION IS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT THAN PREVENTING IT AND MAY
BE IMPOSSIBLE IN THE OUTDOORS"
