As we approach the middle of the summer and temperatures are rising, one thing people have to make sure to pay close attention to their hydration levels.
The weather is beginning to get into the 90’s where it will stay for at least the next two months. Adding in the summer rains and the humidity can it make impossible for anyone to go through the day without sweating profusely.
Last year during a gameday, one of my co-workers suffered a heat stroke after being outside selling beer. After work she said she felt really dizzy and began sweating profusely. After lying down she said she seemed unable to move, and after throwing up a few times we took her to a hospital. Luckily she seemed all right just a few hours later, but the doctor informed us that after experiencing one heat stroke you could become more prone to having another.
For college students it is easy to go through the day without drinking enough water. Starting off the day, sodas can seem prettying cooling at the time. Middle of the day there is always happy hours and I am pretty sure margaritas do have water in them. Throw that in with the normal summer activities of volleyball, kickball, and swimming, as well as not having any clean cups in the house, and dehydration can be right around the corner.
We all have heard that we need 8 glasses of water a day, but in the summer it can vary depending on your physical activity during the day. One simple test you can give yourself to see if your adequately hydrated is to pull up and loose piece of skin, if it bounces back to normal fairly quickly then you should be alright. This can also work on pets to make sure they have received enough water.
Staying well hydrated has more benefits than simply cooling off your body’s proper hydration; it can also boost your endurance, keeps your skin healthy, and makes sure your internal organs are working properly. Studies have also shown that dehydrated people tend to be more irritable and lethargic.
Being dehydrated can bring about headaches, cramps, and nauseas. In even severe cases, it can be a matter of life and death.
According to the National Weather Service Forecast offices in Norman, people need to make sure to dress appropriately when going out in the sun, wearing light colored clothing and hats can help lower body temperatures. They advise people to eat foods that do not have a lot of protein in it. They also say heat strokes can occur in temperatures as low as 90 degrees.
Bringing a water bottle with you wherever you go is an easy way to stay hydrated, you can simply fill it up at a water fountain whenever you run out. Some people carry around backpacks that have water pouches in them, making sure they always take a sip no matter whether they are in the classroom or hiking on a mountain trail. Restaurants usually offer waters for free, which is cheaper than the few dollars a soda can cost you.
Go out and enjoy the nice weather this summer, but remember that too much fun and not enough could increase your chances of dying.
-Dara Mirzaie is an economics senior.
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JosephTSchmidt 2 years, 11 months ago
Awesome article. With this weather and the heat, it's good to remember a bit about H20. Argh, I need to drink more of the stuff.