We all hope you enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend. With school ending and summer weather approaching, the risk for dehydration is greater. As you venture into the mountains and off to the beaches, make sure you know the warning signs of dehydration:
- Dry Mouth
- Thirst
- Lethargy
- Decreased Urine Output
- Headache
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness
- Dry Skin
Preventing Dehydration
The best way to prevent dehydration in kids is to make sure they’re drinking plenty of fluids. If your kids are active and outside all the time, they should drink two to four cups of fluid each hour. Avoid sugar and caffeine as they can cause an increase in loss of fluids as well.
NOTE: Sports drinks that replace electrolytes are OK but we recommend water as the best was for kids to stay hydrated.
If your mouth is dry, chances are, you’re at least mildly dehydrated. Keep a bottle of water with you everywhere you go and sip from it often.
Treating Dehydration
When kids are in the middle of a game, they don’t often want to tell the coach they don’t feel good. Remind your child that if they are feeling dizzy, they need to tell the adult/coach. Then, have them sit down in the shade and drink some water. This goes for anyone weather they are out hiking or simply doing yard work. If you feel any of the symptoms mentioned above, or any combination of the symptoms, find some shade, take a seat and drink some water.
Tips for Daily Water Intake
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Don’t allow yourself a diet soda until you’ve had two to four glasses of water (you may even find that you don’t crave the soda as much).
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Make it convenient – keep a big, insulated water bottle full on your desk and reach for it all day.
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Freeze peeled pieces of lemons, limes, and oranges and use them instead of ice cubes – refreshing and may help you get in a serving or two of fruit.
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Every time you walk past a water fountain, get in the habit of taking a sip of two.
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Add two glasses of water to your daily skincare regime. Drink a glass of water, wash your face, moisturize, then drink another.
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Before you have a snack, drink one glass. You may find that you were actually just thirsty
Remember to pack extra water on your next vacation; especially for any activities involving boating, camping, hiking, etc.