How are you staying hydrated?
by Mary Beth Jones
02:16 PM, Thursday, June 28 2012 | 1423 views | 0 0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print
With temperatures climbing to record levels this summer, staying hydrated is more crucial than ever. Everyone knows water is the best way to do that, yet some people still choose sugary soft drinks and juices.

However, Russellville retailers who sell a fair share of cool beverages on a hot summer day said many customers are choosing water over soda and juices in their efforts to take care of themselves.

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) suggested drinking plenty of water to avoid heat-related illnesses such as cramps, exhaustion and stroke. It is especially important to drink more before and after strenuous exercise and activities. It is imperative to replace the fluids lost through sweating by staying hydrated.

According to the MadSci Network website, people have different percentages of water in their body. Men are typically made up of more than 60 percent water, while women are about 55 percent because they have more fat in their bodies.

Nutrients are carried through the bloodstream by water. Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen and is considered the building blocks of life. Water also has a high heat capacity, which is what makes it the most effective way to regulate body temperature.

Some choose to drink sodas over water that contain tons of carbonated water. These drinks do not help prevent dehydration. In our society, everyone has been informed of the fact and many these days are indeed choosing water over other kinds of drinks.

“We are definitely selling a lot more water,” Stephen Baskin, store manager at Tiger Mart on South Arkansas, said. “We have 24 packs of water and those are going quickly. Coke sales have really gone down, except in the fountain machine. We also sell a ton of Gatorade during the summer.”

According to the Mayo Clinic website, dehydration is losing more fluids than what it being taken in. The best way is to avoid this by drinking water. Sodas do contain a certain amount of water, but also caffeine. The caffeine in soda eliminates water from the body faster than it is taken in.

“Water is necessary for proper hydration and essential for your body and organs to function properly.” said Dr. Lucas Andrada, family practice physician at Millard-Henry Clinic. “Water is important to every part of your body, which is basically 75 percent water. And 85 percent of your brain is made up of water.

“Drinking at least a quart of water each day is especially important when temperatures reach extremes like we’re experiencing this summer. Some studies suggest that we need to drink half of our body weight in ounces of pure water every day. So if you weigh 160 pounds you should drink 80 ounces of water each day. Pure water is the best option for replenishing and cleansing our bodies. Soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea and alcohol are diuretics and can often contribute to dehydration.”

Andrada added drinking water has many benefits and can help to lower blood pressure, ease joint pain, helps with looking younger by hydrating the skin and can also help to reduce headaches.

Roger Mang, station attendant at Exxon on E. 16th St., said it is typical for customers to choose water over other types of drinks in the summertime.

“We usually sale more water than other drinks in the summer,” Mang said. “It really is not any different than normal.”
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How are you staying hydrated? by Mary Beth Jones

How are you staying hydrated? by Mary Beth Jones

How are you staying hydrated? by Mary Beth Jones