Hydration Stations - Healthy Relief from Summer Heat Wave
Redmond, WA (PRWEB) July 09, 2015 -- As temperatures remain in the 80’s and 90’s across much of the Western United States, concerns for seniors and those more vulnerable to dehydration continue to grow as well. Water is an easy answer but experts at assisted-living industry leader Aegis Living say there are tastier alternatives that are good for brain health.
Summertime means more dehydration cases and more trips to hospitals nationwide and seniors are especially vulnerable. As we age, we don’t notice the symptoms such as body temperature changes. In addition, some medications promote dehydration and it’s a fact that seniors don’t experience the same level of thirst that younger people do: the result? Studies show dehydration is one of the top conditions sending people 65 and older to the emergency room. Symptoms range from headaches to nausea to loss of balance and confusion and in severe cases, unconsciousness and heat stroke.
At 30 communities across the Western United States, Aegis Living provides highly visible and enticing “hydration stations.” A hydration station is a large apothecary beverage dispenser where ice cold water is infused with fresh natural ingredients like cucumbers, mint, strawberries, blueberries, lemons and other fresh, nutritious locally-grown ingredients. The result is an answer to dehydration that tastes great. Aegis Living Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shirley Newell says, "Staying hydrated is vital for brain health. That's why we offer hydration stations in all of our communities. It’s something that can't be overlooked as the temperatures rise."
Doctors say dehydration is a frequent trigger for urinary tract infections (UTI’s) among seniors. Unfortunately, UTI’s can exacerbate memory loss or dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. Many residents at Aegis Living communities live with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. today.
Aegis Living’s Executive Chef, Justin Sledge helps keep residents hydrated through the hot summer months. He says, “We offer a variety of infused waters. By changing the flavors daily we keep the residents interested in staying hydrated. We pass out the infused water at functions and as well as display them at convenient locations in each community. We incorporate local berries, fruit and herbs whenever possible. Right now, we’re using mint, basil, and blueberries from our own (community grown) Aegis on Madison (Seattle) garden. It’s fun to be creative and try different flavor combinations.”
Here are some simple combinations (from Justin Sledge) to enhance your everyday drinking water.
One gallon ice water
Cucumber & Mint Sliced cucumber (1 large English cucumber) and mint (8-10 sprigs)
Strawberry & Basil - Strawberries (1-2 baskets – 12-16 in a basket) and fresh basil (8-12 leafs of basil)
Blueberry & Red Grape (1-2 baskets, 30-40 blueberries) and red grapes (1-2 baskets) cut grapes in half for flavor
Lemon & Raspberry (2 lemons, go light on lemon or it becomes too bitter), 2 baskets raspberries (24 in basket)
Orange & grapefruit - (2 of each, remove the peels for best results)
Media Contact: John Yeager - Public Relations Director - Aegis Living 425-765-9845
About Aegis Living
Aegis Living is a national leader in retirement, assisted living and Alzheimer’s care providing the finest in senior lifestyle emphasizing health, quality of life, well-being and community. Aegis Living is guided by a simple philosophy: strive to treat all people with the highest possible standards. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Redmond, Washington privately held Aegis Living operates 30 communities in Washington, California and Nevada with 7 in development. Additional information about Aegis Living and its services are available at http://www.AegisLiving.com. Follow us on Twitter @aegisliving and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AegisLiving
John Yeager, Aegis Living, http://www.aegisliving.com/, +1 425-765-9845, [email protected]
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