We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to stay hydrated for kids and adults. Severe cases of dehydration can cause problems such as disorientation, heat stroke, or seizures.
This time of year, the temperatures are hotter and we can easily lose water from being in the heat. Hanging out outdoors, exercising, and illness are all contributors to dehydration, which can have subtle effects on the body.
Outside of desert-like conditions, your environment may not feel like a biodome of set up to tap out your last reserves of fluid. You know what it’s like to feel parched, but you may not even notice you’re dehydrated!
We’re going to introduce you to a quick test you can use on yourself or your family to check for dehydration. Called the skin pinch test, there are several ways you can do it.
Your Face
Give a gentle pinch to your cheek (don’t hurt yourself!) and look for fine lines. If they appear on your skin and your skin lacks elasticity, you are probably dehydrated.
Your Hand, Abdomen, or Arm
When doctors perform the skin pinch test, they typically do it on the back of the hand, near the wrist. What they are looking for is to see if skin turgor has been reduced due to loss of fluids. This refers to your skin’s ability to bounce back after it’s been pinched.
