Summer is drawing to a close, school has started for many of us, and fall weather is coming. However, the thermometer still says it is summer.
It is important to stay healthy in the heat. One of the most, if not the most, important measures is to be sure to drink plenty of water. How many of us drink 64 ounces of water a day? How many of us know how much that is?
The old advice to drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day is still a good practice. Symptoms that indicate a person is not drinking enough include dizziness, weakness and/or headache. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink, you may have waited too long. During heavy exercise, a person may need to drink two to four glasses per hour.
Limit outside activity to morning or evening hours. Protect yourself from the sun and heat by wearing loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brim hat and sunscreen. Inside, wear loose-fitting, light-weight clothing. You do not have to limit fluids to water only, but do avoid caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar. Also, salt and minerals need to be replaced. Fruit juice or water with lemon may be just what the doctor ordered.
These are good guidelines whether you are a child, adult or senior adult.