Summer is officially here and considering the recent soaring temperatures, we’re in for a hot couple of months. If you plan on spending time outdoors – whether it’s lounging by the pool, having an afternoon braai or working in the garden – it is important to stay hydrated to avoid getting heatstroke.
Symptoms of heatstroke
- Feeling thirsty.
- A painful headache.
- Experiencing dizzy spells or feeling light-headed.
- Excessive sweating.
- Feeling exhausted.
- Experiencing muscle cramps and pains.
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting.
How to prevent heatstroke
- Remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
- Where possible, avoid doing strenuous work and exercising outdoors during the middle of the day when the temperature is at its highest.
- If you are going to be outdoors, make sure to apply plenty of sunblock.
Health benefits of water
Drinking plenty of water will help keep you hydrated and feeling refreshed on hot days. Aside from being thirst-quenching, water also offers various health benefits, including:
- Removing waste and toxins from the body,
- Regulating your body temperature,
- Protecting and cushioning your organs and joints,
- Helping you lose weight,
- Good for your kidneys,
- Helping keep your skin healthy, and
- Boosting the immune system.
Other healthy ways to stay hydrated
Aside from drinking plenty of fluids, you can also eat fruit and vegetables high in water content. These include:
- Watermelon
- Peaches
- Oranges
- Strawberries
- Cucumber
- Grapefruit
- Pineapples
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