The Importance of Hydration During Summer 

With the hottest days of the year upon us, hydration is of the upmost importance. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people 65 years of age and older are among the groups most at risk for dehydration during the hot summer season. Dehydration can take a negative toll on the human body and cause side effects. “As you get older, your sense of thirst can be impaired, so you may not recognize your body’s need for fluids,” says Ardeshir Hashmi, M.D., Section Chief of the Center for Geriatric Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. 

A few negative side effects of dehydration include:  

• Fatigue – feeling more tired than usual, both physically and mentally. 
• Muscle cramps – experiencing cramps or spasms throughout your body at unexpected times.  
• Dry Mouth – causing saliva in our mouths to dry up more quickly and frequently causing discomfort.

Avoiding dehydration can be achieved by drinking more water and other fluids. The thought of drinking water can seem unappealing to many of us. To combat this, beverage companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi are creating new alternatives for their customers, such as flavor-infused waters and electrolyte powder packets. However, drinking water and other liquids isn’t the only option to stay hydrated. 

 Another option to increase your water intake is by incorporating water-rich foods into your daily meals. Fruits like watermelon, cucumbers, apples, and vegetables such as peppers are excellent choices due to their high-water content and seasonal availability. Prioritizing hydration is essential for maintaining health and well-being, especially during hot weather.  

If you’re interested in learning more about staying hydrated this summer, call (408) 350-3200, option 1, to speak to a Community Resource Specialist today.