With summer dwindling to a close, many families are trying to maximize their time outdoors before school beckons. Though cool weather will be here soon, summer’s hottest days may very well still be ahead.
Unfortunately, when you mix hot temperatures and outdoor activity, potential dehydration is a risk that you take. Signs of dehydration include dizziness, fatigue, flushed skin, heat intolerance and even confusion.
So when you and your children are outside in the heat gardening, swimming, riding bikes, or whatever activity you choose, taking a few preventative steps could mean the difference between a lovely summer day and a visit to the hospital. Here are just a few things you can do to make sure you are staying hydrated:
Drink water before, during and after any type of physical activity outdoors. If you know that you will be participating in an outdoor sports activity, make sure to drink about 16-20 oz of water about an hour prior to the event. Then, plan to drink about 8 oz every 10-15 minutes, depending on your activity’s level of intensity.
Avoid caffeine which can be found in drinks like coffee, sodas and tea. Though sodas and especially sweet iced tea are a Southern tradition during the summer, it’s best to pass on caffeinated drinks if you plan to be outdoors. These types of drinks tend to pull water from the body that it so desperately needs on extremely hot days.
Avoid alcohol, including beer and wine. Though you may enjoy having an adult beverage while you’re participating in any number of summer activities, the reality is that alcohol and heat don’t mix well. If the weather is especially hot, do yourself a favor and pass on the alcohol that day.
Eat popsicles. Finally! Permission to eat sugar! Seriously, popsicles are one of the best ways to get water into little ones. So open the freezer and
Avoid high protein diets. What? With several weeks still on the calendar before Labor Day, many people are still working on their swimsuit physiques. So if you must, it’s even more important that you drink atleast 8-12 oz (or more!) of water each day.
Wear one layer of light clothing. Make sure your clothes are light and loose fitting — especially if you plan on intense physical activity or being in the sun for a long duration.
And last but not least, stop, sit down and go to an air-conditioned location if you begin feeling dizzy or light headed.
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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!
