Family & Community Health in Bell County July 2022

Summer is here and in full swing! Pools and water parks are open again. Beaches are full. The grills are fired up and families are outside more. Is there a way to have fun and stay safe too? You bet there is! The tips below will help you beat the heat.

Beat the Heat!

Water is essential!! Water protects, helps the body get rid of wastes, and helps us keep a normal temperature. If asked how much do we need, most would probably say 8 cups per day. Fluid needs vary depending on age, sex, activity level, and overall health. Some good rules of thumb to follow are to pre-hydrate. Drink before you start feeling thirsty and before you start an activity. Drink water throughout the day. Check your urine. Urine should be colorless or a very pale yellow. Listen to your body. If you are thirsty, drink. If you are very thirsty, you might be dehydrated already. Carry water with you. It may help to keep a refillable bottle. Choose water when eating out.

Also: Schedule outdoor activities and errands in the morning or evening. Use cooler places for physical activity. Park in shaded areas. Wear a cap or wide-brimmed hat in the sun. Use sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher. Never leave a child or animal in a parked car on a hot day.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-andhealthier-drinks.html? CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fhealthywater% 2Fdrinking%2Fnutrition%2Findex.html

https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/healthy-eating/howmuch-water-do-you-need

https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/wellness/how-tocalculate-how-much-water-you-should-drink

https://today.tamu.edu/2022/05/23/beat-the-summer-heat/