During the summer months, it is critical to think about preventing dehydration and other heat-related illnesses. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in, usually on hot days when you are overexerting yourself. This water is lost through normal bodily processes such as urinating, sweating, and if you are sick, through vomiting and diarrhea.
Who's at Risk for Dehydration?
Working or participating in outdoor activities on hot summer days often causes people to be at more serious risk of dehydration. This water loss can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and in severe cases, death. The risk of dehydration increases for some people more than others.
The four groups that are most at risk for dehydration include:
- Athletes and those that exercise. People who spend hours training and competing in the hot summer sun lose excess fluids caused by their activities. These groups often do not have an adequate intake of fluids to make up for that loss.
- Outdoor workers. Those that work outdoors, such as landscapers, construction crews, police officers, and postal employees, spend most of their days in the heat. These outdoor workers often have little time for bathroom breaks or drinking fluids. As a result, these workers may not consume enough fluids during their workdays.
- Children. Many children spend a great deal of time outdoors being active once school is out for summer. Water and other fluids may not be the first thing on their minds when consumed with fun outdoor activities with their friends in the heat.
- Older adults. With age, some changes can impair the ability to sense thirst. The body also does not adjust to hotter temperatures the way that it used to. Seniors that struggle with incontinence may also be trying to limit their water intake to lower their risk of having an accident.
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration
The intensity of your exercise or activity during the hot summer months increases your chances of losing water quickly and becoming dehydrated. Staying educated about your body’s water requirements and the signs and symptoms of dehydration can help prevent heat-related illnesses.
Some of the mild to moderate signs and symptoms of dehydration are:
- Dry mouth and lips
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Decreased urination
Dehydration is one hundred percent preventable. You can usually treat mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more water or an electrolyte sports drink.
More severe signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:
- Seizures
- Severe diarrhea for 24 hours or more
- Bloody or black stool
- Inability to keep fluids down
- Disorientation or irritability
- Little to no urination
- Rapid breathing or heart rate
- Sunken eyes
5 Tips to Prevent Dehydration and Stay Cool
We have put together five tips to stay hydrated and cool during the hot summer months to avoid the risk of dehydration or a heat-related illness.
- Drink plenty of water. It is essential to consume fluids during higher intensity or longer periods of exercise or outdoor activities before you are thirsty. If you wait until you realize that you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Health experts recommend eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, which is about two liters.
- Avoid drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol while in the sun and heat. These types of drinks stimulate the production of urine, thereby promoting dehydration.
- Choose light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing. These materials can help you stay cooler as they won’t stick to the body as they absorb the heat from the sun. There are even some clothing options that are made with an SPF material.
- Remember to take breaks. If your job requires you to work in the hot summer sun or engage in outdoor activities. Sitting in the shade and hydrating can help the body avoid symptoms of dehydration such as dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth.
- Opt for a rehydration beverage. Sports drinks such as Sqwincher help replace some of the electrolytes lost through sweat. These drinks can help provide carbohydrate energy to the muscles and aid in recovery.
Sqwincher as a Rehydration Product
Many years of research and development went into formulating Sqwincher products to rehydrate the body. Sqwincher products provide a higher level of hydration in various formulations and flavors that deliver the necessary potassium, sodium, and electrolytes to rehydrate and replenish the body.
When the body is dehydrated, the brain functions are compromised. Mental processes such as thinking clearly, performing tasks safely, and staying focused become challenging when a person is becoming dehydrated. When the body is depleted of electrolytes, water alone won’t do the trick. That is where Sqwincher products come into play.
Whatever your lifestyle is, a Sqwincher product is convenient and flavorful to get your hydration on. Sqwincher is available in these formulations:
- Ready to Drink
- PowderPack
- Single Serve
- Liquid Concentrate
- Sqweeze Pops
Each Sqwincher product is low in sodium, sugar, and calories, and they are all gluten-free. Many are also preservative-free, contain no artificial sweeteners or dyes, and are an excellent source of Vitamin C.
Sqwincher Products
Water is a necessity that the human body requires to stay healthy. If you fail to drink enough daily water, non-caffeinated fluids, or electrolyte beverages like Sqwincher, you may experience a heat-related illness such as dehydration. It’s important to remember that anytime a person who has been exposed to heat becomes disoriented or unconscious, immediate medical attention must be sought.
If you have any questions about Sqwincher products or any other hydration products we offer at Personally Delivered, please give us a call. Our Product Experts are just a phone call away and ready to assist.
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