Summer is here. Once again, I want to address the subject of dehydration. Seniors don’t drink enough water; they often ignore the fact that drinking water is as important as eating a well-balanced meal.
Dehydration isn’t about living in a third world country or being stranded on a desert island. It can happen to you. Early symptoms: fatigue, weakness, lethargy, sunken eyes, dizziness and headaches are often missed. You may think you have a cold or that you are just tired, but it could be your body telling you that you are dry!
I know, you hate drinking water, but let’s take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas for making plain old water more interesting.
The question is what counts as fluids? If you are like me you are probably wondering if 4 cups of coffee, 2 glasses of ice tea and 2 cups of herbal tea at bedtime count toward fluid intake. Good news: Researchers say that caffeinated beverages do count, BUT they still say that half of your fluid intake should be plain water.
It has become fairly common these days for hotels and conference centers to place water coolers in the lobby. You can’t miss them because they are attractively displayed; fresh fruits or even vegetables added to the water are a beautiful sight. Even die hard non-water drinkers will be tempted.
Drink water wherever you are:
• Remember the jugs with the little spigots for making sun tea? Fill one with ice water and add slices of strawberries, lemons, mangoes, watermelon, cucumbers or limes.
• If you prefer sparkling water you can get a gadget like the Soda Stream that turns ordinary water into something special or add a splash of juice to your water bottle.
• Determine how much water you plan to drink each day, fill your personal water bottle often from that jug in the frig, and keep it at your side all day long.
Remember, you don’t have to guzzle an 8-ounce glass all at once, instead be a dedicated sipper. Next time afternoon fatigue kicks in, reach for a glass of nature’s natural refreshment. It is cheap, calorie-free, and without equal.
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