Staying hydrated is essential for nearly every function in the body, from regulating temperature and maintaining healthy skin to supporting digestion, circulation, and brain function.

Who Is at Risk of Dehydration?

• Older Adults: as we age, the body’s ability to conserve water decreases, and the sense of thirst becomes less reliable. Many older adults may also take medications (like diuretics) that increase fluid loss.
• Infants and Young Children: prone to dehydration due to their smaller body size and higher water turnover.
• People with Chronic Illnesses: those with conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart failure may be at greater risk, either due to the disease itself or the medications they take.
• Acute illnesses, especially those involving fever or gastrointestinal symptoms, can cause rapid fluid loss and increase the risk of dehydration.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Dry mouth and dry tongue
• Thirst
• Dark yellow urine or decreased urine output
• Headache, fatigue, or feeling weak
• Dry skin

If dehydration is left untreated, it can become severe. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of severe dehydration include:

• Very dark or no urine for 8+ hours
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sunken eyes
• Confusion, drowsiness, or disorientation
• Low blood pressure
• Fainting
• Seizures (in extreme cases)

How Can You Stay Hydrated

Don’t wait until you feel thirsty — make drinking water a part of your routine. Aim for at least 6–8 glasses (1.5–2 liters) a day, more if you're physically active or in hot weather.

Incorporate fruits and vegetables that have high water content, such as:

• Watermelon
• Cucumber
• Oranges
• Strawberries
• Lettuce

If you’re experiencing fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating heavily from exercise or heat, it is important to start replacing fluids as soon as possible.

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people. It is endemic, or found regularly, in parts of Central and West Africa. The virus that causes Mpox can also spread through contact with objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have not been disinfected after use by someone with Mpox. This includes items like clothing, bedding, towels, dishes or utensils.

Symptoms to Watch For Mpox

Mpox symptoms tend to start within 21 days after you come in contact with the virus. You may have symptoms that are like the flu, including a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and a cough. Other symptoms may include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Backache
• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle aches

About 1 to 4 days after the flu-like symptoms, people usually get a skin rash. Often, the Mpox rash first appears on the face, hands or feet and then spreads to other parts of the body. The rash also may start in the genital area, mouth or throat. The Mpox rash goes through many stages. Flat spots turn into blisters. Then the blisters fill with pus, scab over and fall off over a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Throughout the time when your symptoms start until your rash and scabs heal, you can spread Mpox to others.

Who Is Most at Risk?

• Individuals with close, prolonged contact with an infected person
• Healthcare workers without appropriate protective equipment
• People with weakened immune systems

Prevention and Care

• Practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with individuals who show symptoms
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for someone with a suspected infection
• Isolate infected individuals and seek medical care
• Vaccines may be available for high-risk groups in outbreak areas

As long-standing leaders and trusted partners in healthcare, we are committed to transforming how care is delivered in Ethiopia and beyond. Our newly upgraded Bulbula branch, MCH & Surgical Center stands as proof of that promise. Over the past few months, our team has been working diligently to upgrade our surgical facility, expand our capabilities, and bring advanced technology closer to the community we serve. We are excited to unveil the new Surgical Center, equipped, staffed, and designed to provide a higher standard of care.

What’s New?

Latest surgical equipment to support minimally invasive and advanced procedures Dedicated pre-operative and recovery areas for greater comfort and monitoring Improved infection control systems, ensuring a safe, sterile surgical environment Streamlined patient flow for smoother scheduling and reduced wait times As part of our expansion, we’re especially proud to offer enhanced services across a range of surgical specialties; Hip replacement Surgery, Neurosurgery, Laparoscopic Surgery, and Orthopedic Surgery, to mention a few. Ready for Exceptional Surgical Care? Book your consultation today or visit us at our Bulbula MCH & Surgical Center.

Here’s a heartfelt story from one of our long-time dialysis patient’s attendant. For years, she has accompanied her loved one to our dialysis center for regular treatments. She shares that the professional care provided by our team has made a meaningful difference in their journey, highlighting the consistent quality service and the sense of safety and respect they experience each time they walk through our doors. At Washington Healthcare, our greatest reward is the trust and satisfaction of our patients. Their voices inspire us to keep advancing and delivering the highest standard of quality in healthcare.