How to Stay Hydrated This Summer

Life doesn't slow down just because you retire, but you need to pay attention to your body while you're out living your life. It's natural to spend more time outdoors in the summer, which means you might need to increase your water intake to stay hydrated. Aberdeen Heights offers several amenities to keep you busy without leaving the Independent Living community, and the surrounding areas offer endless options, from Laumeier Sculpture Garden to games at Busch Stadium. Hydration is important no matter how you spend your time. Use these tips to keep yourself hydrated this summer.

Start Your Day With Water

Staying ahead of your thirst can keep you from getting dehydrated. Get in the habit of drinking a big glass of water when you wake up each morning. Putting a water bottle by your bed at night makes water easily accessible, so you can start hydrating before you even get up.

Infuse Your Water With Flavorful Fruit

If you don't enjoy plain water, add a little flavor with pieces of fruit. A slice of lemon is a classic, refreshing option, but you can use almost any type of fruit. Berries work well for a flavor infusion in your water, and cucumber slices offer a unique and refreshing taste.

You can add the fruit or veggies directly to your water, but you can also buy water pitchers and reusable water bottles with infusion baskets inside them. The fruit or veggies go inside the basket, which sits in the water to add subtle flavor. Keep a pitcher of flavored water in your fridge, so it's cold and ready to enjoy.

Pour a Glass of Water With Meals

It's easy to forget to drink water throughout the day. Connecting water with other routine tasks can help you remember. An easy time to do this is with meals. Always start with a glass of water when you sit down to a meal. If you want another beverage, pour a glass once you finish your water.

You can also tie water to other routine tasks. For instance, if you take medications, drink a full glass of water with those pills instead of just a little sip to swallow your medication. Maybe you have a TV show you watch every day, or you always read in the afternoon. Grab a glass of water before you sit down to do those activities.

Find a Reusable Water Bottle You Love

Independent Living makes it easy to come and go as you please with a maintenance-free lifestyle, but water isn't always readily available when you're on the go. A reusable water bottle is an economical way to make sure you always have water nearby. Consider the size of the water bottle and how easy it is to hold. An insulated bottle helps keep your water cold for longer and prevents the ice from melting as fast. Fill the bottle before you leave and sip throughout your outing.

Eat Hydrating Foods

Many fruits and vegetables have a high water content, so eating them can help you stay hydrated. Stock the fridge in your Independent Living home with these goodies. Options with lots of water include:

• Melons
• Peaches
• Oranges
• Pineapple
• Strawberries
• Cucumbers
• Celery
• Tomatoes
• Leafy greens

Other items can also be hydrating, including broths and broth-based soups. Incorporating these high-water-content foods into your diet can help you get enough hydration in addition to the water you drink.

Use Apps for Reminders

If your biggest barrier to staying hydrated is remembering to drink water, consider using an app as a reminder. You can find several apps that let you track your water consumption. Many apps incorporate reminders along with tracking capabilities. Using a tracker can also motivate you to drink more water. If you don't want to use an app, try setting alarms on your phone as reminders.

Plan Your Outings

Staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day can reduce your risks of dehydration. Plan early morning or later evening outdoor activities. Staying in the shade and dressing for the weather can also help you stay hydrated while you're out.

Know the Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration is more than just feeling thirsty. It causes physical effects on your body. Some signs that you're dehydrated include:

• Dark yellow urine
• Decreased urine output
• Headache
• Reddish skin
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Cramps
• Extreme thirst
• Confusion
• Dry mouth and skin

If you notice any signs of dehydration, drink fluids right away. Beverages with electrolytes can help you hydrate faster. Moderate to severe dehydration might require the administration of IV fluids, depending on your condition.

Schedule an Independent Living Visit

When you're looking for Independent Living in Kirkwood, MO, Aberdeen Heights offers a wide range of amenities that support your overall wellness. Our friendly staff is ready to help. Schedule a visit online, or call 314-394-8943.