My son plays football. But how would he know if he’s getting dehydrated during practice? Are there signs? What should he do immediately?
Yes, there are signs of dehydration that one can watch out for. With mild dehydration (3 to 5% body fluid volume loss), one might not be able to appreciate any obvious signs or symptoms except for thirst and decreased urine output compared to normal. With moderate dehydration (6 to 9% body fluid volume loss), signs and symptoms are readily apparent, including rapid heart beat at rest, dry mucous membranes, decreased sweating, irritability, deep breathing without an increase in the rate of breathing at rest, and again, decreased urine output. With severe dehydration (greater than or equal to 10% body fluid volume loss), all of the above signs and symptoms are present plus the addition of lethargy and a change in mental status with altered consciousness in the later stages. If your son notices any of these signs or symptoms, he should first try to replenish the loss of body fluids with water. Easing up on any strenuous activity as appropriate is also warranted for any signs and symptoms of moderate or severe dehydration. Replacing electrolytes using IV fluids isn’t usually necessary until severe dehydration becomes apparent based on the signs and symptoms listed above.
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If you get the flu shot too soon, does it wear out earlier?
No, the flu shot has been shown to be effective for at least a year after administration. The CDC actually recommends that the flu shot be administered as soon as it becomes available so that individuals can be protected during the flu season for as long as possible. The reason we get vaccinated against the flu annually is because the flu shot is designed differently every year to include protection against particular flu strains that are thought to be most effective during that year’s flu season.
Is it ok to let my kids have something to eat before they go to bed? Or is that a bad idea?
Snacks before bedtime can actually be okay as long as the snack does not promote overeating or lead to problems with sleep. Certain types of snacks, for example simple carbohydrates (potato chips, candy, crackers, sugary cereal, etc.), can lead to overeating and continued hunger because these foods are high in calories but low in nutrition. In contrast, other types of snacks, for example proteins and complex carbohydrates (lean meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables), which are high in nutrition, can lead to a more satisfied appetite, less overeating, and therefore better overall sleep.
I got a paper cut that went so deep I was afraid I wouldn’t get the blood to stop. What’s the best thing to do after something like this happens?
The best thing to do in this situation would be to apply continuous pressure to the area of bleeding with a bandage, piece of gauze, or clean cloth and hold pressure on the wound for at least 10 minutes. If the bleeding significantly slows down but the wound is still bleeding, continue to hold pressure on the wound and if the bleeding does not stop within 1 hour, you should go to the clinic, hospital, or Emergency Room for further medical care. If after the initial 10 minutes of pressure over the wound does not resolve the bleeding and the bleeding seems heavy, you should go seek medical attention sooner, rather than waiting for up to an hour. In many instances, bleeding that does not stop with continuous pressure over a wound for at least 10 minutes may require stitches in order to close the wound, which would be an indication to seek medical care sooner rather than later.
