Summertime in San Antonio means one thing is certain, triple digit heat. With summer quickly approaching, the temperatures are already slowly climbing into the low 90’s. As the weather warms up we also see an increase in people going outdoors for a walk, jog, hike, bike ride, or to play recreational sports with the office or some friends. No matter what you plan on doing, one of the best ways to battle the heat is to keep your body hydrated.
It’s during these times, more than ever, that the phrase you’ve heard your whole life “make sure you’re drinking enough water,” comes into play. Drinking water should already be a daily habit, but we’re still surprised by how many people don’t make it a priority. Not only does water replenish fluids the body will lose naturally, but it also has a number of other health benefits, including aiding in weight loss.
During physical activity, water will help regulate the body’s core temperature, maintain joint health, and help deliver vitamins to the rest of your body. By not taking in enough water your body will suffer through dehydration, similar to a drought on land. One way to keep your water intake on track is to start your day off drinking a glass of water, and then always carry a water bottle with you. Some other helpful tips are:
- Keep a bottle of water at your desk to keep yourself refreshed all day long
- Set a series of alarms on your phone to remind you to drink water
- Mark a water bottle with times during the day so you know where you should be at certain times with your water consumption.
Did you know there are water bottles that have alarms and track your daily amount and can remind you where you are at the end of the day?
Dehydration can lead to impaired nerve and muscle function, which will eventually impact coordination, and thus hinder performance. Aside from the general impact on performance due to dehydration, other symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Chills
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Increased body temperature
- Increased heart rate
- Confusion
- Impaired vision
- Difficulty breathing
None of the symptoms listed above reflect a healthy lifestyle which is why we stress so much to our patients that hydration is vital to a healthy life. Nowadays there is little reason not to stay hydrated. With so many benefits coming from a simple glass of water, why are we not drinking more? You can never let yourself become too busy to take care of yourself.
If you’re looking at starting an exercise program or are currently in one, we encourage you to find ways to ensure you drink enough water each day. Also, you may consider adding a physical therapist to your exercise team. Our team of experts can help create a personalized plan for you, help you prevent injuries through education about proper techniques, and also provide you with information on the importance of hydration for those workouts. Schedule your appointment online or call our friendly scheduling receptionists to set up an appointment or pain relief assessment at (210) 888-1278.
