Dr. Naticchia Knows...About Staying Hydrated In The Heat
The heat is on this summer…we’ve already had three heat waves! If the soaring temps have left you dying of thirst, get yourself a cold glass of water and keep reading…
Did you know that when you feel thirsty you are already 2% dehydrated? Children and seniors are even more dehydrated by time they feel thirsty.
To keep yourself well hydrated during these hot, humid summers, drink water and electrolyte replacement drinks such as Gatorade and Propel.
Usually, water is all you need to stay hydrated. Electrolyte-replacement drinks are terrific for active people who are working, gardening or exercising outside. These drinks combine water, sugar and electrolytes such as potassium and sodium to hydrate you and replenish the electrolytes lost while sweating. Since there so many drinks on the market – sports, vitamin, energy and more – ask your primary care doctor or a nutritionist what is the best one for you.
A good way to monitor your hydration is to make sure your urine is clear or light yellow like lemonade. Dark yellow or brownish urine that has an odor means that you are dehydrated.
Food is another way to hydrate yourself so it’s important to eat well-balanced meals and add water-packed snacks like fruits (watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes) and vegetables (cucumbers, squash, tomatoes) when you are more active.
Also pay attention to the heat advisories, and keep children and seniors in a cool place like an air-conditioned home or library or in the pool or under a sprinkler. Children and seniors don’t sweat as much and can become overheated because their bodies don’t regulate temperature the same as adults.
You can continue to exercise in the heat with creative alternatives like running or working out in an air-conditioned fitness center, walking in the local mall, or taking a water aerobics class at a community center (call 1-877-VWOMAN to learn about Virtua’s classes).
Try to stay cool this summer and be sure to stay hydrated!