A GP from west Dorset is urging the public to understand the importance of staying hydrated, especially in the warm summer months.

Dr Sue Davies, from Lyme Regis Medical Centre in Lyme Regis, says people need to be aware of consuming the right amount of fluids to stay healthy.

Medical evidence shows that staying hydrated can assist in the management of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and low blood pressure while also helping to prevent falls, incontinence and poor oral health.

It is also recognised that staying hydrated helps you stay alert and feel generally healthier.

Dr Davies said: “Water is essential to health, and is one of the six basic nutrients - along with carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, proteins and minerals - but is often overlooked.

"This can result in vulnerable individuals, not just older people, missing out on the support they need to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Virgin Care is making a clear effort to raise the awareness of good hydration by promoting to patients and colleagues the importance of drinking six to eight drinks a day, including a variety of fluids (excluding alcohol) across its services.

The organisation has also committed to people visiting its services can access drinking water at all of its locations.

Dr Davies, added: “There are plenty of things people can do to stay hydrated, for example, drinking water regularly throughout the day, eating more fresh fruit and vegetables and remembering to drink more when they exercise or if the weather is hot.

“It's vital we encourage patients to drink more.

"Providing fresh water helps keep patients hydrated and improves their wellbeing, which is why as an organisation during this campaign, we are making the commitment to having water available in all services to keep people hydrated during their visits.”

There are also signs and signals people can use to tell if they are dehydrated including thirst, dry mouth, headache, constipation, dizziness, muscle cramps, impaired vision and concentration, fatigue and darker urine.

“It is important that everyone, not just older people, know these signs but also the benefits of good hydration to help see improved mental health, quicker recovery from illness and a reduction of GP visits and possible hospital admissions,” said Dr Davies.

“So have a drink before you feel thirsty and not only will you be quenching your thirst, but you will also be helping to protect yourself.”