In the face of brutal temperatures and heat waves this summer, follow these tips to stay hydrated.
A heat wave is a prolonged period of
excessive heat often combined with excessive humidity. Officially, a
heat wave is defined as three days of temperatures of 90°F or more, and
that is exactly what has been transpiring at the end of June in the West
coast, particularly in California, Arizona, and Nevada.
In fact, six half-marathon runners in Southern California were
hospitalized for heat-related illnesses on the final day of the month. A
day earlier, paramedics responding to a Nevada home without air
conditioning found an elderly man dead.
During a heat wave, the most important thing is staying hydrated. And, people who have a heart condition, are older than 50, or are overweight may have to take extra precautions. Our bodies are about 75 percent water and blood is nearly 80 percent water, so it is necessary to replenish what is lost every day. When water is not replaced, blood thickens, forcing the heart to work harder and raising the risk of a heart attack. Staying hydrated, then, is essential for heart function, but it also helps with alertness, controlling appetite, and generally improving all activity.
According to the American Heart Association, when the temperature and humidity are both above 70°F, we have entered the dehydration danger zone and it becomes necessary to sip water frequently and drink before, during, and after vigorous activity. To maintain a healthy fluid balance while in the dehydration zone, the following suggestions may help: Read More.
No comments:
Post a Comment