As the mercury rises, you have to think about what you can do to keep cool. Heat exhaustion is a common malady during the summer months. As the heat index pushes closer to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you may not have to feel the heat. All you have to do is break out that cold bottle of water from your fridge.
Hydrating with cool water on a hot and humid day will help protect you against summer dehydration.
Some the most common signs of dehydration are:
- General fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Increased body temperature
- Weakness
- Muscle cramps
Ignoring these signs may lead to heat stroke, which requires medical treatment.
The best way to combat dehydration is to drink fluids. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking:
- 16-20 ounces of water before moderate-intensity summer exercise
- 8-12 ounces 10-15 minutes before going out into the heat
- 3-8 ounces every 15-20 minutes during activity when active for less than one hour
- 3-8 ounces of a sports beverage every 15-20 minutes when exercise greater than one hour
Other means of keeping your cool during the summer months is to wear lighter, breathable fabrics, slow down your pace, exercise indoors, wear a hot and just using common sense when planning your day outdoors.
The tips in this article are general, so remember that you are an individual and your needs may be specific. Remember to use your head and stay cool!
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.