Dehydration is the lack of sufficient amounts of water in one’s body. Being hydrated is especially important during the summer months. Staying hydrated can avoid serious issues and major summer concerns such as heat exhaustion. Playing sports or exercising outside in the summer time is great; however, with high temperatures, high humidity, high sun, and not enough fluids, it can cause heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can be very dangerous and lead to heat stroke if ignored. Heat stroke is potentially life threatening and will require serious medical attention. Make sure to attend to warning signs of heat exhaustion such as, but not limited to, muscle cramps, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and weakness.
Water is a good tool for staying hydrated, but it is not the only tool nor is it the best way to stay hydrated in some instances. If you are going to work out or play in the outdoors for an hour or so, remember to bring your water. If you intend to work out or play outdoors for longer than an hour, remember to bring some kind of sports drink to not only cool down your muscles and your body temperature, but to replenish the electrolytes in your body.
Be smart while enjoying the wonderful outdoors of the summer weather by preparing yourself for your day’s journey correctly. Remember to try to avoid sodas, coffees, teas, and other caffeinated beverages, as well as alcoholic beverages when going to be exposed to heat for prolonged periods of time. These particular types of beverages help with dehydration not hydration. Staying hydrated is a form of staying healthy! Enjoy your summer months!
