 Overview
For "normal" activity, the recommended daily allowance of
water is
about 2 liters. (That's two
typical-sized Nalgene™ water bottles.) When
working strenuously or in a hot climate -- as geologists often do -- your body may REQUIRE 4 liters or more IN ADDITION to what
you drink at breakfast and dinner! Cold fluids are most beneficial and insulated Camelbak® backpacks
are excellent for this purpose.
The above images show a Camelbak®
being filled with ice and ice water
(powdered Gatorade is already in the bladder). Having something COLD to
drink in the field makes a phenomenal difference and is testament to the quality
of today's field equipment. Often, I have found ice still in my Camelbak®
the following day from the last little bit of water that I didn't drink the
previous day!
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| Weight loss pills and other
dietary supplements containing diuretics can contribute to the
possibility of suffering and even dying from organ failure brought
on by acute dehydration. Know the dangers. |
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Keep hydrating even on your "days off." Don't be surprised
if, on your days between field excursions, you're the most thirsty.
That's because we often fail to realize just how dehydrated we are when
we're not actively working and consequently fail to hydrate.
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In
extreme desert climates such as those found in Death Valley, expect to consume
as much as one liter per hour of activity! Further,
because the air is so incredibly hot and dry, do NOT expect to see sweat on your skin
since it usually evaporates before it can bead up. Just because you
don't seem to be sweating does NOT mean you are drinking enough.
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You perspire even while swimming. It's impossible
to notice, so be SURE to drink fluids when working in the water. Scuba diving
can be especially dehydrating due to the dry air and constant activity.
(Yes, geologists really do scuba dive on the job.)
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Though
the condition is opposite to
hyponatremia, the
symptoms are generally the same (apathy, confusion, nausea, and
fatigue), although some individuals show no symptoms at all.
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A good way to check how hydrated you are is by the color of your urine. If
it's yellow, you need to drink more. If it's yellow-brown, you really need
to drink more! If it's copious and fairly clear,
then your hydration status is probably adequate.
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Treatment of Dehydration
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This usually involves little more than drinking an electrolyte solution
over a period of a few hours while taking it easy in a cool place.
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Know how to differentiate between dehydration,
HEAT EXHAUSTION and
HEAT STROKE.
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Seek medical attention if necessary.
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