Stay Hydrated This Summer!

• 07/07/2015

Summer means spending more time outside ... on the water, in the sun, among the trees ... the list goes on! Regardless of what you're doing, it's important to stay hydrated. Dr. William Roberts, a University of Minnesota Medical School, Family Medicine and Community Health professor, recommends these summer safety tips for doing so:

1. Drink water – One way to tell if you’re hydrated is by your urine color; it should be light yellow like lemonade versus dark like apple juice. Drinking several glasses of water per day is advised.
2. But not too much – It may sound strange, but it’s possible to overhydrate. If you aren't thirsty and/or feel water sloshing around in your stomach, scale your intake back a bit.
3. Have a fluid source readily available – Water usually does the trick, but if you need to replace calories due to sweating, a sports drink can help. Pop can elevate your sugar level, but be aware that it can also make you more thirsty as a result.
4. Be careful when drinking alcohol – Drink in moderation when in the sun. To avoid dehydration, alternate alcoholic beverages with a glass of water.
5. Listen to your body – Take a break from whatever you're doing if you start to feel light headed, overheated or a headache coming on. Don't ignore warning signs!