Tuesday, September 28, 2010

HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE!!!

I think it is safe to say that 86.7% of Facebook status' are currently mentioning how hot it is, how much people are sweating, how people are dying of heat, and how LA has been hotter than Fresno! Ok so maybe my stats are a slight guesstimate, this is my wellness blog not the U.S. census. Anyway....What is going on with the weather?...I do not know. BUT, what I do know is what is going on in your body! Hydration is SO important especially now since waking up in the morning feels like waking up in a toaster oven.  So here is what you need to know to take the "de" out of dehydration...and GET HYDRATED!

Our body weight is 75% water!  Our bodies are losing water when we breathe and humidified air leaves the body, when we sweat to cool our body, and when we urinate or have a bowel movement to get rid of waste.  Normally, we must drink water throughout the day to replace lost water.  Diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, and lack of water are all major reasons why dehydration sets in.  Dehydration occurs when there is more water leaving the body than being taken in.



Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

  • increased thirst
  • concentrated urine, yellow color
  • dry mouth
  • cessation of sweating
  • muscle cramps
  • nausea and vomiting
  • heart palpitations
  • lightheadedness
  • even confusion and weakness if very severe dehydration occurs

Dehydration Prevention Tips!
  1. Take extra water with you! Especially if you are outdoors/active, grab your water bottle!
  2. Temperatures are high right now, so limit outdoor exercise during peak hours! check weather online :)
  3. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption in this crazy heat! Alcohol increases water loss and impairs your ability to see signs of dehydration. 
  4. Wear light-fitted, loose-clothing 
  5. Break up your sun exposure...try to stay in air conditioned or shaded environments
  6. Remember signs and symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke so you can prevent them!
  7. DRINK AT LEAST 8 CUPS OF WATER A DAY! (equivalent to the volume of a 2 liter soda bottle)
STAY HYDRATED YOU BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE :) 

Yours in health,

L

p.s. for more information on heat exhaustion first aid (signs, symptoms, and treatment) CLICK HERE!



1 comment:

  1. I was reading the post and I realized I was feeling dry-mouth so I took your suggestion and got up and drank some water! Choor?! Nice blog, Lenlen! we all need help keeping healthy and fit!

    ReplyDelete