While summer is technically a week a way, the weather is hot and most of the kids are already out of school and off to summer camps, or enjoying their time outdoors.

One of the most important things to remember on a hot summer day is you have to keep your little ones well hydrated.

Hydration is due to loosing more fluids than he or she takes in.  Dehydration isn’t as serious of a problem in teens as it is for babies or young children (kidshealth.org).

But the good news is dehydration is 100% preventable! 

Family Medical Walk-In Clinics wants everyone to enjoy their summer without any set backs.  Below is a quick summary of how to keep yourself, as well as your kids hydrated during these hot, humid months.

The Breakdown

Content provided by kidshealth.org

• Our bodies are about two-thirds water.
• When someone gets dehydrated, it means the amount of water in his or her body is below the level needed for normal body functions.
• Small losses of water won’t cause problems, but losing large amounts of water can sometimes make someone feel very sick.

The Cause of Dehydration

You can become dehydrated for many different reasons, provided below are just a few examples;

• Overcoming a stomach bug, you lose a lot of fluids through vomiting or diarrhea.
• Playing sports or working out- it is important to replenish your thirst before, during (every 2o minutes), as well as after.
• Trying to drop weight for a specific sport- this can ultimatley end up hurting you because  if you become too dehydrated, you will become weak and your performance will not be as strong.
  • This could also lead to problems with the rhythm of one’s heart beat.
• Different diets can also cause dehydration.
  • Beware of different diets or supplements that contain laxatives and/or diuretics
  • Or diets that promote loosing “water weight”

The Effects of Dehydration

• Becoming thirsty, although that is not an early warning sign.
  • You might already be dehydrated by the time you become thirsty.
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
• Having cotton mouth (dry or sticky feeling).
• Producing less urine.
• Your urine is darker.

Preventing Dehydration

• Drinks lots of fluids!
  • Water is the best choice for your diet due to it not containing any calories.
  • Gatorade, Powerade are all good choices as well.
• Eat fruits- fruits such as; watermelon, strawberries, oranges, etc. contain a high percentage of water.
• If you are going to be outside, dress appropriately.
  • Wear loose fit clothing and a hat, if possible.
• If you find yourself feeling extremely hot, move to a shaded area for at least 10-15 minutes.
• If you don’t really feel like drinking fluids, indulge in an ice pop!
• Avoid caffeine, or at least keep to a minimum.
• Avoid drinks that contain a high percentage of alcohol.

You may need to see a doctor if…

• You feel weak, dizzy or faint every time you stand up, even after a couple hours of rest.
• You urinate infrequently throughout the day.
• If you are battling a stomach bug or just can’t hold down fluids, you may need an IV, which will help to speed up the re-hydration process.
• Sometimes, dehydration can be a sign of something more serious than just that lack of fluid intake, that is why consulting a physician is important for your overall well being.

If you do feel you or someone you know needs medical attention, Family Medical Walk-In Clinics are open late, seven days a week, with walk-ins welcome at all six of our locations!!

Healthy Kid Drinks to keep them Hydrated

Content provided byFoxNews.com

It is hard to get kids to just drink plain water; here are some fun kid drinks to keep them hydrated and healthy!

• Honest Kids- certified organic juice boxes that have 50 percent less sugar than other juice drinks, they also have a full serving of Vitamin C.
• Lifeway Foods’ ProBug Smoothies- organic, kefir-based, which leads to healthy digestion.  They have tons of flavors, such as Strawana Split and Sublime Slime Lime.
• It Tastes RAAW- fruit and vegetable juices- no added sugar or preservatives.
• KIDStrong Hydration Beverage-sport drink for kids five to 13 years old.  The drink has no artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, or stimulants.  Only 30 calories!

Sources: 

http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/first_aid/dehydration.html

http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/first_aid/dehydration.html#

http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/first_aid/dehydration.html#

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2010/06/07/healthy-summer-snacks-kids/

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-tips-for-staying-hydrated.html