Dehydration

It's that time of year again when your fluid intake should increase dramatically.

Working outside in the sun, heat and humidity can do bad things to your body, and your brain, if you do not drink enough.

I recently experienced a case of heatstroke because I lost track of time working outside..in 90 degree weather without anything to drink.

The next day, after I recovered, I went to the store and loaded up on the good stuff I should be drinking.

Carbonated and alcoholic drinks should not be consumed if you are working outside for long hours.  They do more damage than good.         My downfall is I drink gallons of milk, and its not helpful in extreme heat.       As you sweat you lose tons of electrolytes and need to replace them and water too.

For every hour you work outside you should be consuming ONE QUART of good fluids.

Two of them Gatoraid bottles, with electrolytes, equals a quart.

They are very easy to slug down when they are cold.

Potassium is lost at a faster rate in some people, like me, and I find that V8 has the most potassium of any drink.

With all the affordable healthy energy drinks on the market today, there is no excuse not to have a few of them on hand for your outside activities.

Farmers are notorious for not drinking enough fluids while they are on their tractors or working in the fields.

Some older tractors have no cup holders (can you imagine!) or there is no way to securely strap a bottle on.  OR the water bottle bounces off the tractor on the first bump (always happens to me).


So.... the next time you see a farmer out in the field, please bring them something cold and good to drink.

You will both be glad you did!