As temperatures get warmer for the summer months and as humidity levels increase, experts are saying that it is important for everyone to remember to stay well hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Proper hydration can help prevent both heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Indiana Regional Medical Center Nurse Practitioner Amy Constable talked about the differences between the two.
IRMC Nurse Practitioner Maria Stiles said that sometimes in extreme heat, people can lose track of their hydration levels as they work or play outdoors.
They recommend that people drink even when they don’t feel thirsty, as sipping water throughout the day will help keep hydration levels up. It also depends on what you drink, as many alcoholic, caffeinated or sugary beverages may cause dehydration and make your body excrete more of the liquid that you are putting in. And they say that unless you are involved in strenuous physical activity, sports drinks loaded with sugar and electrolytes are unnecessary.
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