Stay Hydrated this Summer!

As we enter into summer this year, it's important we take the appropriate steps to prevent dehydration. Water aids our body in many functions including digestion, transport and absorption of nutrients, getting rid of waste in our body, and maintenance of body temperature. As the heat increases, getting enough to drink is very important whether you're playing sports, traveling or even just sitting in the sun. Every time you're thirsty, you are dehydrated.

Here are 5 ways you can prevent dehydration this summer:

• Consume foods with high water content (mainly fruits and vegetables, like berries, cucumbers, and melons)
• Carry a water bottle with you at all times. You'll never know when you just might need it!
• Set goals for water intake throughout the day (see Water Requirements below).
• Take frequent water breaks during practices and/or workouts.
• It is best to exercise in the morning or evening to avoid the extreme heat if possible.

In order to stay safe this summer, drink up! Because you'll need it so that you can go do what summer is meant for, and have some fun.

Water Requirements:

So how do you know how much water you should drink?  Many medical and health professionals say that drinking 1/2 ounce of water per every pound of body weight.  If you are active, this quantity should be increased.

To calculate your personal water requirement, divide your body weight by 2.  The result equals how many ounces of water you should drink daily.

Example:  a 100 pound person should drink 50 ounces of water a day.  (100/2=50).  That's more than three water bottles a day and even more if you are active!