The Importance of Staying Hydrated

It is extremely important to maintain a healthy lifestyle through the hottest months of the year, and the best way to do that is by staying hydrated.

Drinking water throughout the day feels like something everyone should know about and do, however, most people don’t consume enough water daily, let alone during the hottest months of the year.

What Causes Dehydration?

There are many factors that can contribute to dehydration. From illnesses to overheating, dehydration is a lot easier to succumb to than you think.

When your body temperature rises, you expel moisture from your skin. This helps to regulate your core body temperature. When you experience a fever, or are working out, your body will start releasing more sweat from your body in an attempt to regulate itself. If you don’t replenish the water lost as you sweat, it can result in dehydration. 

With summer fast approaching and people eager to get back outside and spend their days in the hot, arid sun, you’ll be sure to see cases of dehydration on the rise. In fact, you’ll most likely see this in the form of heat stroke. When your body is unable to sweat and regulate its own temperature from lack of water in your body, you’ll start to go into heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

What Should I Do If I’m Feeling Dehydrated?

First and foremost, you should drink plenty of water. Making sure to cool your body off by either dipping into a nearby water source such as a pool or spraying yourself down with a hose to cool you down. Make sure to sit down in a place that is fully shaded so you don’t continue to sweat excessively.

 If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you are probably dehydrated.

• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Dizziness, light-headedness, 
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite, but craving sugar
• Flushed or red skin
• Muscle cramps
• Swollen feet

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to sit back and take it easy. Drink lots of water and electrolytes and make sure you’re sitting down and in a cool place. If the symptoms continue to worsen, or remain the same after several hours, you should call 9-1-1 immediately and seek medical attention. Dehydration is dangerous and can kill. 

Stay safe out there this summer!