I've been watching the news about the recent terrible hot spell here and all over the U.S. Many people have died, especially seniors in private homes, centers, hospitals and convalescent homes where they pay to be cared for.

I belong to the Retired Senior Volunteer program here in T.O. and the Forever Young Chorus at the Senior Goebel Center.

We have been entertaining at convalescent centers, homes and hospitals for over 20 years.

I always make sure I visit with the seniors after our entertainment and in their rooms.

I've noticed at many convalescent homes, centers and hospitals that there are no water pitchers on their tables between beds.

I asked several workers about that and they said, "It takes too much time to take the patients to the bathroom several times a day and we only have so much help."

Well, what about dehydration and what it does to their bodies? These are some of the symptoms and causes of dehydration:

1. Dizziness and they fall. Then what?

2. Their blood becomes thicker, possibly causing a stroke or a heart attack. Then what?

3. They are taking prescription drugs, and if they are not drinking enough water, the drugs are stronger and so are the side effects.

4. Some have diarrhea and constipation and need more water. Their bodies need at least six to eight cups of water a day in order to stay healthy and heal. This will keep their blood thin and the side effects of drugs weaker.

Who is caring for these patients? They are people who are underpaid, overworked help and many who do not speak or understand English.

Big corporations own these convalescent homes and are thousands of miles away and don't care, don't check and don't change for the better.

The bottom line is:

1. Pay more to the help, who care about their patients and their jobs.

2. Have classes on nutrition and how the body works and what it needs.

3. Teach English to their help so they can understand directions and be able to talk to their patients.

These corporations have the money, so why not use it for the good of all. The Internet is full of info on dehydration and the negative effects on our bodies.

I found my info at http:// www.answers.com/topic/dehydration and I just touched the tip of the iceberg.

Horace Greeley said, "Common sense is very uncommon."

Corporations: Please do something soon. Kristal Watters Thousand Oaks