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Friday, June 30, 2006

Staying Hydrated In The Florida Heat

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - The temperatures flirt with triple digits while the sun beats down on the children enjoying a day at the pool.

Proper hydration is the key to surviving our usual scorchers.  Besides the heat, the summer also offers extra daylight which means more physical activity.

“It’s best to stay out of sun,” Dr. Michael Hannigan of Healthsouth said.  “Drink lots fluids, and wear light colored clothes, cotton is the best.”

The body needs 8 to 10 cups of water per day to keep hydrated.  But if you’re taking part in physical activity, your body looses much more than water.

“Sports drinks can be beneficial because they have potassium and chloride,” Hannigan said.  “When you sweat, it’s not only water but salts and the sports drinks replaces that.”

Doctor Hannigan said that it might be a good idea to exercise first thing in the morning and drink plenty of fluids before you go outside.

Feeling fatigued, dizzy and nauseous are warning signs of dehydration and telling your body it’s time to rest.

“The elderly and younger children are more susceptible to heat problems than the middle-aged folks,” Hannigan said.  “They’re bodies are not able to sweat as efficiently as adults.”

For those of you on the beaches, be aware. 

Alcohol can trigger all the warning signs.

“You actually become dehydrated when you drink alcohol,” Hannigan said.  “People think they can drink beer and hydrate themselves.  Alcohol blocks the kidneys ablility to absorb fluids.”

Remember, thirst is a sign of already being dehydrated.  If you experience lightheadedness, dry mouth or a headache get into a cool environment and drink plenty of water.

Summer is all about spending hours outside.  But when you stay hydrated, you can enjoy yourself in the heat and humidity.

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