What M a k e s Wat er U nsa fe ?
Howbtconbmxnackbe rehydration drink
Here are 2 ways of making rehydration drink. If you can, add half a cup of fruit juice,
coconut water, or mashed ripe banana to either drink. These contain potassium, a
mineral that helps a sick person accept more food and drink.
Give a child sips of this drink every 5 minutes, day and night, until he begins to
urinate normally. A large person needs 3 or more liters a day. A small child usually
needs at least 1 liter a day, or 1 glass for each watery stool. Keep giving the drink
often, and in small sips. Even if the person vomits, not all of the drink will be
vomited. After one day, discard the drink and make a new mixture if necessary.
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Made with powdered cereal and salt.
(Powdered rice is best. But you can use
finely ground maize, wheat flour, sorghum,
or cooked and mashed potatoes.)
In 1 liter of clean WATER put half of
a level teaspoon of SALT,
Made with sugar and salt.
(You can use raw, brown or
white sugar, or molasses.)
In 1 liter of clean WATER put half
of a level teaspoon of SALT,
and 8 heaping teaspoons of
powdered CEREAL.
and 8 level teaspoons of SUGAR.
Mix well.
Boil for 5 to 7 minutes
to form a liquid gruel or
watery porridge. Cool the
drink quickly and begin to
give it to the sick person.
CAUTION: Taste the drink each time
before you give it to make sure that it
has not spoiled. Cereal drinks can spoil
within a few hours in hot weather.
CAUTION: Before adding the
sugar, taste the drink and be sure
it is less salty than tears.
Important: If dehydration gets worse or other danger signs appear, get
medical help.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012