S o, we have ALL been told to drink more water, increase your fluids, hydrate! ...well, on the same token, those of us who have kidney issues or diabetes or heart issues (with diuretics) or congestive heart issues or bladder issues need to watch how much and when we drink water. What is one to do? How important is water? To begin, here is what water is responsible for doing in the body: helps to control body temperature aids the digestive process process energy and nutrients to tissues in the body aids healing aids detoxification for regular bowels and urination cushions organs and joints muscle needs hydration for bulk and function skin health brain health What gets in the way of good hydration? Laxatives Diuretics M uscle atrophy (sarcopenia) Reduced food intake Incontinence Poor memory and cognition Lack of movement Various medications Alcohol Overall health and wellbeing is significantly impacted by hydration levels.  Water contains elect...

Polypharmacy poses a risk for Falls, Mobility and GI tract disturbances What is it? Poly pharmacy is the regular co-prescription of multiple drugs These can include anti-depressants, benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety, anti-seizure, sleep disorders), pain medications, diuretics, heart medications and anticoagulants. Quick Facts The use of 4 or more drugs co-prescribed can pose a risk for increased falls and severity of falls. ( Dhalwani, N.N., Fahami, R., Sathanapally, H., Seidu, S., Davies, M.J., & Khunti, K. 2017. Association between polypharmacy and falls in older adults: a longitudinal study from England, British Medical Journal , 7) Risks of damage such as hip fractures is 23 times higher. ( Lai, S.W., Liao, K.F., Muo, C.H., Liu, C.S., & Sung, F.C. 2012. Polypharmacy correlates with increased risk for hip fracture in the elderly: a population-based study, Medicine , 85 (5):295-9. )  When a new drug complication is mistaken as a new medical problem and an...