How to Stay Well Hydrated During the Hot & Humid Summer Months

How to Stay Well Hydrated Tampa FLSummer is the hottest time of year in Tampa, and Florida is one of the hottest states in the nation. When the outdoor temperature rises, it is especially important to prevent dehydration, particularly if you work or exercise outside. As your body sweats to cool itself naturally, humid air makes it more difficult for the sweat to evaporate from your skin. If you are unable to sweat, your body temperature will rise, which will increase the amount of water your body needs to function properly.

Why Is Hydration so Important?

Water is essential to survival. Your body is composed of approximately 70 percent water, which it uses in all of its cells, tissues, and organs. In addition to transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, water lubricates your joints, flushes out waste products, maintains your core temperature, and helps you recover from mental and physical fatigue.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch for

If your body does not have enough water to perform its vital functions, dehydration occurs. The most common signs are:

  • Extreme thirst
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Infrequent urination
  • Headache
  • Nausea

Mild dehydration can be easily reversed by drinking fluids. However, severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention, which may include intravenous delivery of fluids and salts.

Tips for Preventing Dehydration

The best way to stay well hydrated is to drink plenty of water. Most physicians recommend drinking eight eight-ounce glasses every day under normal conditions, and more if you are physically active, sweating heavily, or spending time in hot or humid conditions. Other strategies that can help you avoid dehydration include:

  • Taking breaks – If you are working outside, take a short break at least once every hour. If possible, rest in the shade or an air-conditioned space.
  • Dressing “cooler” – Loose clothing allows air to reach your skin, light colors reflect sunlight, and sweat-wicking fabrics draw moisture away from your body, all of which can help keep you cooler.
  • Staying indoors during the hottest hours of the day – Outdoor temperatures usually peak between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so it’s best to stay inside during that time. If you exercise outdoors, do so earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler and the sun is less intense.
  • Avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages – Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, which can cause you to become dehydrated more quickly.

A simple way to monitor your hydration level is to watch your urine stream – it should be pale yellow in color. If your urine is deep yellow to light orange, you may be dehydrated, so it would be a good idea to increase your fluid intake.

If you have questions about dehydration or any other health-related issue, you are welcome to contact or visit South Tampa Immediate Care. Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located at 602 South Howard Avenue in Tampa, FL.