Why It's Important to Stay Hydrated & 6 Easy Ways to Do It
Summer fun means outside activities in the warm sun—from strenuous pursuits like biking, hiking, and playing sports to more leisurely enjoyments like sunbathing or floating in a river. No matter how you plan to enjoy the steamy summer and warm early fall months, maintaining hydration should be right up there with sunscreen on your list of important hot weather priorities.
Dehydration is a condition that ranges from mild to serious and can happen quicker than you may realize. Right Diagnosis defines dehydration as, an abnormal condition in which the body's cells are deprived of an adequate amount of water.
One of the main factors influencing becoming dehydrated or not is heat.
Think you drink enough water and don't need to worry about dehydration? Think again and consider these points:
- The ability to recognize thirst diminishes in individuals in their late 30's or older.
- A person's body is made up of roughly 70% water.
- When you lose 2% of the body's water content, you are considered dehydrated.
#1: Drink plenty of water
Make it a habit of carrying water with you during the summer months, and sipping on it throughout the day, especially if you are planning on outside activities. Invest in a couple of BPA-free water bottles for you and your family to tote on summer trips & adventures. Many bottles keep even small ice frozen for up to 20 hours!
Not a big fan of plain water? Try adding lemon, cucumber, and mint sprigs to liven it up! Mix up in a big pitcher the night before so the flavor has time to penetrate. Another option is flavor packets, which are individual packets of flavors like green tea, watermelon, and peach.
#2: Eat the right foods
Liquids aren't the only way your body gets water. Avoid dehydration by eating foods with a high water content.
#3: Steer clear of certain drinks, like alcohol
As yummy and refreshing as an icy beer or frosty margarita tastes, alcohol can contribute to dehydration. If you decide to indulge, limit yourself to one or two, and drink a large glass of water along with your beverage to counteract the alcohol's effects.
#4: Avoid overexertion
Exercise is a wonderfully healthy pursuit; however, keep an eye on the temperature. If it is going to be exceptionally hot and humid, choose to exercise either early in the morning or after sunset, when temperatures are lower and the sun isn't beaming.
#5: Wear proper attire
Dress in light, airy clothing in fabrics that breathe. Protect your head with a cap or hat that shades your face. Avoid black clothing, which tends to absorb the sun and make you hotter.
#6: Be prepared
Extreme heat makes everyday issues like a flat tire or dead battery life-threatening. Visit a mechanic to confirm your vehicle is in good shape to lessen the chances of getting stranded. Carry extra water or sports drinks in your vehicle, and keep your cell phone charged or carry an extra battery pack to charge your phone should it die. If your car breaks down, either stay in your car to wait for help or stand in the grass instead of on hot, sizzling pavement.
Staying hydrated is essential for good health no matter what time of year or year in life you find yourself—its very important all the time but during the summer in particular. Implement these easy tips into your daily routine so you and your family maintain hydration and can enjoy the hot weather and as much outdoor fun as you can.
If you do become dehydrated or acquire an injury because of summer and early fall activities, don't worry, the Huntsville area has good physicians, who can return you back on your way to good health. One smart choice is Millar Chiropractic Clinics...We have 6 convenient locations across the greater Huntsville & Madison area that remain open until 6 pm, every week day. One of our specialty clinics even has both an MD and a DC on staff, so we can administer wound care as well.
If you become hurt and begin experiencing pain or if you simply want to maintain good health & wellness, give Millar Chiropractic a call at (256) 830-0000. Millar Chiropractic is here for you all summer long and throughout the rest of the year as well. Have a happy, safe end of summer and a productive early fall as you and yours return to school!
Millar Chiropractic Clinics—Huntsville, AL