Summer is finally here. Summer brings the opportunity for outdoor adventures, but also an extreme heat.
Despite the fact that heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, each year about 658 people succumb to extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of these heat-related illnesses occur during May through September with Arizona, Texas and California accounting for about 43 percent of the cases. Although death is definitely the worst outcome, extreme heat can affect your health in a variety of ways. Sometimes, you might not even notice you’re dehydrated.
Although we’ve discussed this many times through our blog posts and on social, we cannot stress the importance of this enough. Drinking water is incredibly important for your overall health and wellbeing. Why do we keep on saying this? Because 75 percent of Americans are dehydrated. Yes, 75 percent! This is for a number of reasons. Some individuals don’t recognize when they are thirsty, a water bottle isn’t kept on-hand at all times (like your Glasstic), or people are substituting sugary drinks or alcoholic beverages for water.
Not convinced that you should drink more? Here are a few ways (besides dying and major heat-related illness) that dehydration can ruin your summer plans.
It Can Cause You to Feel Hotter.
As the weather heats up, our bodies start to sweat to regulate its temperature. According to an article from Forbes, we have 2.6 million sweat glands working to keep us cool by releasing fluids through our pores. Of course, sweat is made mostly of water, so your body needs this to stay hydrated and for it not to overheat.
You Might Feel More Sluggish on Your Next Adventure.
According to Health Care Associates, “not drinking enough water can lead to a decrease in blood volume that puts excess pressure on the heart to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the organs, including the muscles.” This lack of water can make individuals experience times of fatigue and low energy, as the body tries to function without enough water. Feeling sluggish after a good night’s sleep? Grab your Glasstic and drink up.
You Can Start Feeling More Grumpy.
A feeling of anger or irritability can be caused by dehydration. A study, reported by the Huffington Post, said “even mild dehydration – 1.5% loss in normal water volume in the body – that can occur in the course of our ordinary daily activities can degrade how we are feeling, especially in women, who are more susceptible to the adverse effects of low levels of dehydration.”
You Can Feel Sick.
Dehydration can make you feel sick to your stomach. According to Slidell Memorial, nausea and vomiting are particularly bad because they can cause the situation to get much worse. “A person who is experiencing nausea can have a more difficult time consuming fluids and a person who vomits will lose fluids quickly.”
Look out for the warning signs of dehydration. The easiest way to tell is the color of your urine. If it’s clear or pale yellow, then you’re drinking enough water. If it’s a darker yellow or an amber color, it’s time to grab a Glasstic full of water. Other signs of dehydration, besides those mentioned above, can include dizziness, bad breath, confusion, decreased amount of urine and even dry skin.
Remember to stay hydrated and healthy. Grab your Glasstic and drink up!
Medical Disclaimer. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate prescription.
