Stay Hydrated This Festive Season
With the many festivities that occur during the month of December, and with the recent and upcoming hot weather, it is easy to let yourself dehydrate.
So why is it so important to stay hydrated?
Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. Water is needed for good health. Water makes up more than half of your body weight and is lost each day when you
go to the bathroom, sweat and even when you breathe. You will lose water even quicker when the weather is hot, when you’re physically active or if you have a fever.
When you don’t replace the water you lose, you can become dehydrated.
How do you know when you’re dehydrated?
Your urine will be darker than usual and you may have little to none. Other symptoms are dry mouth, fatigue, extreme thirst, headaches, confusion, light-headedness, and no tears when crying. Keep a good eye on little people this summer season – it is easy for them to become dehydrated and they may not be able to tell you.
How can you stay hydrated? Keep a bottle of water with you during the day. On average, most adults need to consume six to eight glasses of water daily. If you don’t like the taste of water, try adding some sliced lemon or using an electrolyte formula like Hydralyte or Gastrolyte. If you’re feeling hungry, drink water – your hunger may be confused with thirst. Try drinking on a schedule – when you wake, at breakfast, lunch, dinner and before you go to bed. Most important, when celebrating, drink water in between drinks and when you go home – this will help in the morning.
Remember, stay hydrated this festive season!
Merry Christmas from Parkes Pharmacy.