Don’t forget to cool off during the holidays

Summer is here and whether you are lounging by the pool, having an afternoon braai or working in the garden, it is important to stay hydrated to avoid getting heatstroke.

Symptoms of heatstroke:

• Feeling thirsty.
• A painful headache.
• Experiencing dizzy spells or feeling light-headed.
• Excessive sweating.
• Feeling exhausted.
• Experiencing muscle cramps and pains.
• Feeling nauseous or vomiting.

How to prevent heatstroke:

• Remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
• Where possible, avoid doing strenuous work and exercising outdoors during the middle of the day when the temperature is soaring.
• If you are going to be outdoors, make sure to apply plenty of sun block.

Health benefits of water

Drinking plenty of water will help keep you hydrated and feeling refreshed on hot days.

Aside from being thirst-quenching, water also offers various health benefits, including:

• Removes waste and toxins from the body.
• Regulates your body temperature.
• Protects and cushions your organs and joints.
• Helps you lose weight.
• Good for your kidneys.
• Helps keep your skin healthy
• Boosts the immune system.

Other healthy ways to stay hydrated

Aside from drinking plenty of fluids, you can also eat fruits and vegetable which are high in water content.

These include:

• Watermelon
• Peaches
• Oranges
• Strawberries
• Cucumber
• Grape fruit
• Pineapples