'Stay Healthy - Just Add Water'
National First - NHS Dorset and Dorset County Council are working in partnership with many other organisations to improve the health of the county. Water is vital to our health and most of us do not drink enough.
Figures show that in the over-55 age group nearly one third drink just one or two glasses a day, with one in ten drinking just one glass a day.
Older people are more at risk, because their thirst sensation is diminished, meaning that by the time they feel thirsty, they are already very dehydrated.
This can lead to increased rates of urinary infections, incontinence, dizziness, falls, confusion and headaches. If older people cannot help themselves easily, they become reliant on others and are more at risk.
Drinking water can reduce urinary infections and constipation. It helps concentration, improves our skin, boosts energy levels, helps many people to sleep and generally makes us feel better.
Remember - by the time we feel thirsty, we are dehydrated already, so we need to keep that water going in and make sure we drink more in the warmer weather, as well.
Last year in Dorset the campaign reached approximately 40,000 people.
Audits were undertaken in two of our Care Homes (with Nursing) and we are aware that one of these homes Avon View in Christchurch has been awarded the Great South West Care Home Nutrition and Hydration Award.
The campaign has also gained national recognition as an excellent example of good practice and partnership working.
'The Tap Water Challenge' (pdf, 140kb) (opens in a new window) 
- save money, waste and energy by going back to the tap.
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Name: Sue Hawkins
Email: s.hawkins@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 225930
Full details for Sue Hawkins
