It’s official! We are now in the midst of the dog days of summer. This year the dog days commence on Saturday, July 22nd and end of Tuesday, August 22nd. The “dog days of summer” refer to those sultry, humid, long, hot summer days that are said to be the most uncomfortable part of the season. The concept dates back to the ancient Egyptians who believed the energy from the star Sirius combined with the sun’s energy to produce heat waves, drought, thunderstorms, fever, mad dogs and bad luck.
After being cooped up all winter, it’s tempting to spend as
much time as possible outside despite the heat and humidity. Still, we need to practice prevention to stay
healthy and hydrated. Too much exposure
can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Heat stroke is less common but obviously more
serious.
The key is to stay hydrated. Consuming at least 64 ounces of fluid per day is the best way to ensure proper hydration. Water is the best choice but it certainly isn't the only option that counts towards the 64 ounces per day guideline. Most fluids (except alcohol) and many foods also count. Foods with high water content include the following:
Oranges
Watermelon
Yogurt
Strawberries
Blueberries
Grapefruit
Broth-based soups
Pineapples
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Grapes
Bell peppers
Cantaloupe
Apples
How do you know if
you’re dehydrated? Understanding the
signs and symptoms of dehydration is important. One sure way to monitor hydration is to pay
attention to the color of your urine. Generally
speaking, the lighter the color, the more hydrated you are.
·
Pale yellow to clear indicates that you are
well-hydrated.
·
A yellow, cloudy color means you need water.
·
A darker yellow-amber color means you are
dehydrated.
·
Orangish-yellow and darker means you are
severely dehydrated. Contact your
physician immediately.
