How to Beat Dehydration

In the heat of the summer it is often a challenge to stay cool. Here are some good tips for staying cool and hydrated and preventing heat related illnesses.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. The power of water.
   Our bodies are made up of 60% water. Staying hydrated is very important to our health and well being. Drink a glass of water with every meal and take a container of water with you when you are on the go.

2. Keep your house closed up.
   Keep your house or working environment closed up during the sunny part of the day. Close all windows, curtains, doors, and vents. Even the damper on the fireplace should be closed or it will suck hot air into your home. Use white curtains on the inner part(closer to window) of your window treatment.

3. 
    
   Exercise in the heat can cause dehydration unless you schedule drinking fluids.

   The right things to drink.
   Sports drinks help to replace electrolytes lost in sweat. They also supply carbohydrate energy to the working muscles. Avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine for these stimulate the production of urine and promote dehydration.

4. Acclimatizing yourself to the heat.
   It takes your body 10-14 days of working or exercising in the heat to adjust itself. This increases the bodies need for fluid to match the bodies sweat rate.

5. People who might be more sensitive to the heat.
   Kids are usually outside most of the sunny part of the day and may not come in or take breaks to drink fluids their body needs. Also outdoor workers, sports athletes and the elderly need to have containers of water with them to replenish body fluids.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a spray bottle nearby and spritz your self for a refreshing . Even in your car when commuting can help keep you cool since as the water evaporates it cools.
• The best time to drink fluids is before you are thirsty. Your body is already dehydrated by the time you feel a need for fluids.
• It is time to get in out of the sun and seek help if you have any of these signs: dizziness, heavy sweating, headache, speech problems, fainting, nausea or vomiting.

Resources

• http://www.purelifebestlife.com/Home.aspx
• http://www.medicinenet.com/heat_exhaustion/article.htm

[ljstraight]

on 10/29/2009 Excellent ! 5 stars