Electrolyte replacement drink saves mine site worker’s life

A mine site worker who was hospitalised for dehydration three times in a month says his condition only improved after he started drinking Sqwincher rehydration drinks.

ACT resident Stephen Thelan started suffering from dehydration after he began working as a labourer at a Port Hedland iron ore site in northern WA seven years ago.

The conditions were unforgiving - temperatures regularly reached 45°C, there was no shade and he had to wear hot, protective clothing and a helmet every day.

“For the first two weeks I was in hospital three times,” Stephen said. “I wasn’t drinking enough water; I was only consuming 600 mL of water a day. I was severely dehydrated. I had cramps, headaches and I felt drained and run down. I was losing lots of salt as well - my clothes started turning white and I started getting rashes. I had to go on a saline drip when I was in hospital.”

Despite drinking more water, nothing seemed to work.

“I was about to head home because I wasn’t surviving up there,” he said. “However, I heard about a company called Protector Alsafe in South Hedland, which recommended I use an electrolyte replacement drink called Sqwincher.”

Stephen said he started using Sqwincher Qwik Stiks in small drink bottles and his symptoms immediately vanished. He later advanced to using Sqwincher in 10 L containers.

“Sqwincher really saved my life. It fixed everything - I no longer had headaches, cramps or nausea. It’s great and I still use it today.”

He advised people who were working in the mines to be aware of dehydration.

“If you are prepared for the conditions, you’re a step ahead,” he said. “Drink lots of fluid, either water or an electrolyte replacement drink like Sqwincher.”

Sqwincher is an electrolyte replacement drink scientifically formulated to safely replace mineral salts and replenish fluids and sugars at optimal absorption rates which are depleted as a result of dehydration or through physical exertion. It prevents or reduces the severity of heat stress disorders and provides a supplemental source of energy plus it quenches thirst.

Containing important electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, Sqwincher contains carbohydrates for extra energy and water for hydration.