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​This is a good article that looks at parents' fear on each side of the story - what could happen, what did happen.

​Mental Illness affects more than the person.

 See the full article here: ​https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/kidnapping-connects-2-dads-exposes-untreated-mental-illness-in-oregon/

​​​Making sure we drink enough water each day is important for our whole body and health.  And is a great example that it's really all health in our bodies. 

When we don't have the hydration that we need we can see it change many things in our bodies from our brain to our organs, our joints, and even in how well we can control our body temperature. 

​You may have heard not having enough water can give you a headache (true), and look at your urine color to see how hydrated you are (clear is good, dark is bad) but there is a lot more happening in your body and your brain.  So let's look at some of the things that water helps make happen in your body, and then the levels of mild to moderate dehydration, and serious to chronic too.  

Water helps your body to move nutrition through you, and waste out of you.  It helps keep your blood pressure level, and not enough of it can even make you feel light-headed.  And are you tired? Have a glass of water, and move around a little, because it could just be that you are dehydrated.  

The cells in the body, including our brain cells, depend on this water to carry out essential functions. That means you can feel your joints are more achy just from being dehydrated.  It's also needed for the production of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain, and that includes how your memory is, and how clearly you can think, and yes even your mood.  And that can even show cognitive decline.  

A specific that we see in the elderly, and those with memory care issues.  Many times a person who is struggling with incontinence will purposely choose to not drink liquids because they don't want to have an accident.  Or they may not remember they haven't had anything to drink, or have the ability to know that their mouth is dry, or that what they are feeling is thirst. 

Often something else happens, maybe they have a fall, heart palpitations, or decreased function and they end up in the hospital for an evaluation and on fluids.  The family is then surprised to see what a change there is in their recognition, color, and memory.  

This is an easy explanation to see and to understand, but it's important to remember that is also true about people in general, people of all ages.  

Even mild dehydration can lead to a headache, because when you're dehydrated, your brain and other tissues in your body shrink, or "de-plump".  As your brain shrinks, it pulls away from the skull, puts pressure on nerves, and causes pain.  Same concept for your joints.  

Without enough water, your brain can't get enough of the amino acid tryptophan needed to create serotonin, also known as the "feel good" chemical. That's a big problem because serotonin is the neurotransmitter that regulates mood.  Imagine being able to feel a little less grumpy or better, just because you stay hydrated.  

We KNOW drinking water is a habit we need to develop and actually do.  But some people need another way to get more fluids in (especially the elderly in the example above) and the great news is there are other ways to hydrate too.  But not instead of, but in combination with drinking water.  

There are a lot of foods that have a high water content like watermelon, honeydew, cucumbers, strawberries, celery, citrus fruits and more.  And there are also foods we can make like soups, stew, or broth that is hydrating.  

And of course, we can add flavors to water to change the taste, like teas, or hydration packets.  I like to take a cucumber and slice it up, put it in a pitcher of water, let it soak, and drink the water.  Delicious! Other options are lemons, oranges, and other fruits, some people even love to add radishes.  

What about coffee?  Great news for you coffee drinkers, because very recently it has been debunked, that it doesn't count.  And here is a link to a study that you can read, and show your friends and family that tell you no!  https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0084154

This is not a free pass, that it's your only intake. There is still too much of what it is the coffee that affects things like your blood pressure.

​So what are some of the warning signs of dehydration? 

Some mild dehydration signs include: 
And if you are experiencing these, stop what you are doing, have a glass of water, and cool down, and then re-evaluate. 

• thirsty
• light-headed
• unable to focus or concentrate
• have a dry mouth
• tiredness
• headaches
• light muscle pain or cramping 
• weakness
• constipation 
• have a dark color or strong-smelling urine
• passing urine less often than usual 

 Moderate to serious dehydration
If you are experiencing any of these you will probably need an intervention like an IV and a medical evaluation. 

• confusion
• seizure
• loss of consciousness
• dry and sunken eyes
• severe muscle cramping 
• low blood pressure
• problems with your mobility or movement
• inability to understand what someone is saying or asking 
• heat stroke 

 Long term dehydration 
Here you will need intervention that includes not only an IV but can also include things like short-term dialysis, and a battery of testing to see what other body functions are no longer in alignment, and also in need of care

• always having headaches 
• inability to read through and comprehend 
• or listen and follow along
• high blood pressure 
• tiredness
• fatigue 
• muscle weakness and cramps 
• constipation
• disorientation
• dry and flaky skin 
• decreased kidney, heart or digestive function
• seizures
• heat stroke 

Now these are not complete lists and if you have any concerns or questions about dehydration, please seek a medical opinion.  And if you are a care provider, for a family member and you see a change in behavior, consider hydration.  Next? Go have a glass of water! 

​​Did you know October is depression and mental health awareness month, to increase understanding, decrease stereotypes, and help educate on how depression and other mental health issues impact people?

Thanks for being here for the animated series.  Created in Canva using HeyGen AI and Playground.

​Mental illnesses are just as real and valid as physical illnesses.  Any illness in the brain, or the body, deserves proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Thanks for being here for the animated series.  Created in Canva using HeyGen AI and Playground. ​

​Did you know you can also call or text 988 if you are worried about how to help someone else who is in crisis?  And of course, 911 is for an emergency where you or another is in immediate danger. Reminder 988 is only available in the States


Thanks for being here for the animated series.   Created in Canva using HeyGen AI and Playground. ​

​Seeking help is often the first step towards getting and staying well, but it can be hard to know how to start or where to turn to. It's common to be unsure and to wonder whether you should try to handle things on your own.

Thanks for being here for the animated series.  Created in Canva using HeyGen AI and Playground. ​

​Be patient and gentle with yourself; healing takes time and effort.  Embrace your emotions with kindness; they are part of what makes you human.  And remember small acts of self-care can have a significant impact on your mental well-being.

Thanks for being here for the animated series.  Created in Canva using HeyGen AI and Playground. ​

A great way to help reduce stigma around mental health is to educate yourself about mental health, reducing misconceptions and stereotypes. And then calling out stuff when you hear it, see it, or walk away making it clear you don't participate in that kind of talk.

Thanks for being here for the animated series.  Created in Canva using HeyGen AI and Playground. ​

There is hope to heal and grow stronger from any mental health challenges.  Mental health is health care, and it should be treated with the same importance.  Mindfulness and self-awareness are powerful tools for mental well-being.

Thanks for being here for the animated series.  Created in Canva using HeyGen AI and Playground. ​

It's never too late to start prioritizing your mental health; every step counts. One thing you can do is to prioritize sleep and rest; they are essential for a healthy mind and body. Get a good sleep routine to unwind, and then to get to bed on time.
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Thanks for being here for the animated series.   Created in Canva using HeyGen AI and Playground. ​