It’s summer and that means temperatures are set to soar. If you’re working outside or spending more time outdoors with the kids during vacation, it’s important to stay hydrated or you could develop dehydration. Here are signs of dehydration to look out for and ways to help you stay hydrated during the warmer months.
Signs of dehydration include:
• Feeling thirsty
• Dry mouth
• Feeling tired or sleepy
• Needing to go to the bathroom less often
• Headache
• Dizziness
Here are ways to combat dehydration while at home, work, or on the go.
1 Always carry a water bottle with you. If you have a bottle of water within arm’s reach, you’re more likely to stay hydrated and not get thirsty, which is an indication you are dehydrated. It is probably a good idea to drink half your body weight in ounces daily.
2 Your food choices account for your intake of daily fluid. Luckily, many of the foods that are naturally rich in water are in season during the summer months, which makes them not only more accessible but affordable. Melon, cucumber, tomatoes, and strawberries are all rich in water.
3 Keep an eye on the color of your urine. If you’re urinating every hour to two hours and your urine is a light color, you’re probably taking on sufficient water. However, if the color is darker and you’re urinating less frequently you could probably do with taking on more fluid.
4 Coffee and alcohol are diuretics, which means they will not hydrate you. If you do choose to drink coffee or alcohol, make sure you are taking on plenty of water to counteract the effects of these drinks.
Central Counties Health Centers 