Also, it is important to employ other methods to cool the body off. Take a cool shower or apply an ice pack to the forehead. At that point, immediate medical attention is required, because the person is in a life-threatening situation. Because of severe dehydration, the body's circulatory system and kidneys can shut down. Cool liquids, which can be easily absorbed from the stomach, are best for preventing and treating the early stages of dehydration, Wood says.
Plain water is the least expensive and most readily available.
Wood says to avoid concentrated beverages, as they may actually contribute to dehydration. Also, avoid alcohol and any kind of beverage with caffeine, because they act as diuretics, and increase the loss of fluid from the body. Light-colored urine in normal amounts indicates normal hydration. The average amount of urine expelled per day varies among individuals, but it is usually about one and a half to two and a half quarts. Wood says heat-related problems are preventable and fairly easy to avoid.