Friday, June 9, 2017

The Importance of Staying Hydrated In The Summer

We know it's important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. However, it's even more important to do so during the summer months. With the extreme heat and outdoor fun, it's important to stay hydrated as to not suffer the consequences of dehydration. Your Lake of the Ozarks water service company is looking more in-depth on the importance of staying hydrated during the summer.


Staying Hydrated This Summer

While most people have heard they should they should drink 6 - 8, 8-ounces glasses of water a day, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. Water is the best for staying hydrated. While other drinks and foods can help you stay hydrated, they can add extra calories from sugar to your diet.

Signs of Dehydration

It's important to be able to recognize the signs of dehydration. They include:

- Little to no urine
- Urine that is darker than usual
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness or fatigue
- Extreme thirst
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- No tears when crying

Don't wait until you notice the symptoms of dehydration to take action. It's important to be proactive and drink plenty of water. Some people are at a higher risk of dehydration, including those who exercise at high intensity for too long, have certain medical conditions, are sick or are pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, older adults are also at a higher risk, as the brain may not be able to sense dehydration and don't send signals for thirst.


Heat Exhaustion vs Heatstroke

 When dehydration is not taken care of, it could turn into heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is the precursor to heatstroke. It's the direct result of the body overheating.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

- Heavy sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headaches

When heat exhaustion is not addressed, a heatstroke can occur.  Heatstroke is the most severe heat-related illness and without treatment can lead to death. Heatstroke results when your body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. At this temperature, your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles can also become damaged, which can lead to serious complications or death.

Signs of Heatstroke

- High body temperature
- Altered mental state or behavior
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flushed skin
- Rapid breathing
- Racing heart beat

If you believe that someone is experiencing a heatstroke, it's recommended to take them to seek emergency care.


Avoid Dehydration This Summer

- Keep a bottle of water with you throughout the day.

- Try adding fruit slices to your water to encourage you to drink more.

- Drink water before, during and after working out, especially when working out outdoors.

- When you're feeling hungry, try drinking water. The feeling of hunger is often confused for thirst.

- If you have trouble remembering to drink enough water, try drinking on a schedule. For example, try drinking water when you wake up, at breakfast, lunch and drink and before you go to bed. Or a small glass before the beginning of each hour.

Water makes up more than half your body weight, and we lose water each day through sweat, going to the bathroom and even breathing. You lose water even faster when the weather is hot. If you don't replace the water you lose, you can become dehydrated. Make it easy to stay hydrated this summer by keeping clean and refreshing water nearby. Culligan Lake of the Ozarks can help you do that with our water filtration systems and bottled water delivery services. To learn more about our Lake of the Ozarks water services, call us today at 573-719-1314.

277 Lower Business Park Road • Linn Creek, MO 65052 • (573) 719-1314

Like us on Facebook                                           Connect with us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Twitter                                                     Follow us on Google+


No comments:

Post a Comment