The 10-day forecast for weather in Charlotte, North Carolina has every day in the 80s. Some of those days are expected to reach the upper 80s. And it’s going to rain, making it humid. We might as well brace for it. It’s going to be hot.
Hot and humid summers spell one thing: The need for water. Drink up.
Water Is The Healthy Drink Of Choice
Not only should you drink water because you are thirsty, you should drink water because it is healthy. If you fail to drink enough water in the heat, you could find yourself being a heat casualty. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and even heat cramps are nothing to sneeze at. The surest way to prevent yourself from becoming a casualty in North Carolina heat is to drink plenty of water.
And it doesn’t have to be cold water either. In fact, luke warm water is often better.
Dehydration is the leading cause of heat stroke, so make sure you drink plenty of water so that you don’t become a casualty of the hottest days of the summer.
Stay Away From Coffee
What you should not drink is coffee. Caffeinated beverages are a diuretic and cause you to urinate more often. As you release more fluids through the natural processes of your body you are dehydrating yourself. This is especially important if you work outside or have a job that requires you to be physically active. Sweating causes you to lose more body fluids as well.
If you do drink coffee, follow it up with water. If possible, stay out of the sun. The sun works to deplete you of fluids and minerals. You’ll have to drink more water to put back into your body what you lose.
Other Ways To Prevent Heat Injuries
Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes that allow airflow into the fabric and between your clothes and your body. Avoid dark clothing that absorbs the sunlight, making your body hotter.
Also try to stay away from rigorous physical activity, if possible.
Measure your water intake. When you feel thirsty, drink. If you can feel the thirst on your tongue, you should have already been hydrating. Take a break, sit in the shade, and drink a little water. Sip from a bottled water (don’t guzzle) until your body cools down.
