Staying Hydrated & Healthy in Summer Heat
Kids are heading back to school and fall fashions are starting to hit the stores, but we’re not out of the hot days of summer just yet. Summer is a great time to grill outside or watch the grandkids play baseball. While we enjoy these events, it’s important to keep our bodies healthy by staying properly hydrated.
Dehydration can hit everyone but seniors are particularly at risk, due to medical conditions or problems with our bodies adjusting to the heat differently as we age.
Making an extra effort to stay hydrated is important. Luckily, there are plenty of ways for seniors (and all of us) to stay on top of being hydrated.
- Drink a few glasses of water or juice with every meal.
- If you swallow medications with water, drink a full glass instead of just a few sips.
- Add a little fruit, such as lemon or lime, to spruce up the taste of water.
- Get a reusable water bottle to keep with you and use throughout the day.
- Drink water at restaurants – it’s refreshing and free! Also note that although alcohol is a liquid, it actually has a dehydrating effect on the body.
- Incorporate watery fruits and vegetables into snacks and meals.
- Drink water before and during exercising.
It’s also important to recognize the warning signs of dehydration. They include:
- Little or no urine
- Urine that is darker than usual
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness or fatigue
- Extreme thirst
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- No tears when crying
- Muscle weakness
The best way to prevent dehydration is by staying ahead of it through good hydration practices. If you or someone you care for displays symptoms of dehydration, contact their doctor and seek treatment right away.
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Henri
January 30, 2020
Do you have any other blogs we can look at