June 19, 2018
It Is Important to Drink a Lot of Water During the Summer
With triple digits upon us, it is always a good idea to reinforce the importance of drinking water and staying well-hydrated during the hot summer months. Adequate hydration is important in any climate during any season of the year but it may be most important in the hot desert in the summer. Dehydration in warm, dry climates happens very quickly and often, people do not realize they are dehydrated until it is too late and they are experiencing symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
How much water you need will depend on a variety of factors including overall health, height, weight, how much time you spend outdoors, age, etc. The old rule of thumb to ‘drink 8 cups of water per day’ does not apply to Arizona summers. Not even close. AZ Family explains that you need to dramatically up your water intake during the summer to avoid dehydration, “If you’re planning to spend any time out in the extreme heat, even just resting, you’re going to want to drink one 16-ounce bottle of water per hour to keep your body hydrated. That means if you’re out during the hottest parts of the day, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., you want to put down nine bottles total. And if that time is spent outside working or hiking, double that number. Be ready to drink two 16-ounce bottles per hour. That’s amount the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends to outdoor workers in extreme heat.”
It is important to listen to your body and any signs or symptoms of dehydration that it may be sending to you. If you feel thirsty you are probity already dehydrated. It is important to drink water before, during, and after any time spent outdoors in the Arizona summer. In addition to drinking plenty of water, there are other ways to boost your hydration. For example, the foods you choose to eat can supply your body with additional hydration. Fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, melon, tomatoes, celery, and lettuce all have higher water content which will provide hydration to your body. If you begin to experience the signs and symptoms of dehydration, drink water as soon as possible. If you begin to have heart palpitations, are not urinating, have a fever, are confused, have difficulty breathing, or faint, you may be experiencing more severe symptoms of dehydration and it is time to seek medical help.
