Protect yourself from the summer heat
The current heatwave hitting Sydney is especially bad for the kidneys, so it is very important to remember to drink a lot of water to stay well hydrated. Our kidneys play a vital role in continually filtering our blood but need ample water to do it well. Even slight dehydration can cause such symptoms as confusion, headache, and light-headedness while worse dehydration can lead even to collapse.
People with any kind of kidney disease can be impacted very seriously by summer temperatures, and are advised to remain indoors in cool, air conditioned settings. Kidney Health Australia experts say that over 40 Australians die every day of kidney failure, and up to 2 million Australians are affected by early-stage kidney disease without even knowing it.
During this heatwave we are advised to be vigilant for any of these symptoms in ourselves, or those around us, particularly the elderly or the ill, so that they can be responded to quickly. Let’s all stay cool, hydrated and safe!