Jennifer Loughery, nurse at the Portage Atlantic rehabilitation centre, has implemented an awareness program on how staying hydrated is important to overall good health.
“The youth were showing up in my office more and more frequently with issues of constipation, fainting spells and just overall feeling unwell. A major issue that I noticed was that none of them were drinking enough water. Water is a basic building block to almost every cell in our bodies. When we do not get enough water it’s the equivalent to some bricks missing in the foundation of our house.” states Ms. Loughery.
Portage residents learn the necessary tools so they can lead a positive and healthy lifestyle. With this in mind, Jennifer Loughery designed a program to prevent dehydration: “In a society that believes in the use of medication to get healthy, I wanted to get to the root of the problem and give these youth the best possible chance at a healthy lifestyle and this starts with being hydrated. Any resident that does not have a refillable water bottle can ask for one. Since starting this health promotion, we handed out 25 water bottles and I am happy to report that we no longer have residents under medication for dehydration issues.”
In support of this essential program, Mr. Al Cunningham, a native of Sussex, New Brunswick, and Canadian Tire dealer in Nova Scotia, generously made a donation of 300 water bottles. Portage Atlantic staff and youth say “thank you” to Mr. Cunningham and Canadian Tire for supporting this important initiative!
George (Geordie) Gould Director of Client Relations
Thanks, Jennifer. Well written and an issue that needed attention for quite some time. The subject will have to be brought back to the surface with every 6 months turn over.