DEHYDRATION: Keep Your Cool
Drinking enough water throughout the day is always an important health concern. But if you work outdoors in the heat of summer, it can be critical.
SIGNS of DEHYDRATION
- Dry Mouth
- Sleepiness or fatigue
- Extreme thirst
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness or lightheaded
- Little or no urine
- Darker than usual urine
- No tears when crying
Water makes up 50%-60% of our bodies, and all of our cells and organs need it in order to work.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, an average person needs 48-64 ounces of water every day - about 6-8 glasses. But everyone is different, and the AAFP advises people view that number as a starting point.
The group offers several suggestions for people who may not be big fans of water in general or find it hard to get that much water in during the day:
- KEEP IT CLOSE -
Take a bottle of water with you throughout the day so it's always right there and ready for you.
- MATTER OF TASTE -
Add lemons, limes, or other fruits to give plain water a little flavor.
- SCHEDULE IT -
Create a regular drinking schedule. For example, drink a glass of water when you get up, one with breakfast, one with lunch, one with dinner, and another before you go to bed. Or try drinking a small glass of water at the top of every hour.
- CHOICES, CHOICES -
Choose water to drink when you're eating out. Not only is it usually the healthiest option, it's also usually free - saving you money, too!
For more detailed information, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine.