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Keeping Summer Safe With Proper Hydration

By Donna Stark 

Make no mistake about it, summer is here and boy, do we feel it! Some areas of the country have gone through one heatwave after the next, and even though other areas have remained at their normal temperatures, don't count them as the lucky ones because their normal temperatures are typically above 100 anyway (sorry Arizona!). These days of extreme heat may have been a nice dream in the middle of winter when many were snowed in their homes, but now that they are here, we wish they would just go away. Why? Well, just like winter, it seems we are stuck in our homes again because when the days are hot, we all know how dangerous the outside weather can be which is why we need to keep our bodies hydrated!

Dehydration Is No Joke

Let's start with what we know. Water is the single most important substance we consume and if we don't get enough of it, we can become dehydrated. In the majority of cases, dehydration can be avoided simply by increasing your water intake. However, proper hydration doesn't mean you can afford to wait until the very last second to do so. You have to drink the required amount consistently throughout the day, especially if you are active or are outdoors in the heat! It's important that you can recognize the signs of dehydration, so take a look at the most common ones below.

  • Increased thirst
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Muscle cramps and weakness
  • Headaches
  • Dry skin
  • Poor skin elasticity

There is nothing good about the above symptoms, but if you aren't careful, the dehydration plaguing your body can get worse, and those symptoms above? Well, compared to what's next, they're child's play. Take a look at how dangerous dehydration can become if it is not addressed in a timely manner.

  • Little to no sweat or tear production
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Drop in blood pressure
  • Rapid heart rate and breathing
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Incoherent thoughts, confusion
  • Unintelligible speech
  • Seizure, shock
  • Organ failure
  • Coma

Increasing Your Water Intake

Now don't go into a panic yet! If you missed your daily glass of water this morning, you will be fine. But if you think you need to increase your water intake overall, here are some suggestions on how to do so.

  • Set an alarm or use a water drinking app
  • Infuse your water to motivate yourself to drink more
  • Drink a glass as soon as you wake up, before and during meals, and before you go to bed
  • Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day

Dehydration is a common problem regardless of the weather, but once those high temperatures are added in as well, it can become a serious medical issue before you even realize it. So stay intentional with your water intake and until those temperatures drop, stay inside and cool!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lubbock, Tex. 

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