Hello!
Can you believe we are halfway through 2021?! We are now approaching what is usually known as the hottest month of the year!
We want to take the time to remind you it is very important to always stay hydrated especially in the warmer months.
6 tips for staying hydrated
Both doctors agree, your best defense against dehydration is prevention. Follow these six tips to stay safe and healthy, especially when temperatures — or your activity levels — increase:
- Don’t wait till you’re thirsty to drink. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already slightly dehydrated. Sip water steadily throughout the day and drink more fluids than usual when the weather is hot, especially if you’re active.
- Flavor your water. If plain water tastes boring to you, you can add flavor with fresh fruits or a splash of fruit juice. You can also consume clear broths, ice pops or sports drinks (especially if you’re doing intense exercise). Just make sure to limit caffeine and alcohol.
- Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables. Certain fruits and vegetables contain plenty of water in addition to healthful nutrients. Watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches and pineapples are fruits with high-water content. Water-rich vegetables include cucumbers, leafy greens, radishes, celery, zucchini and tomatoes.
- Stay inside when it gets too hot. On very hot days, stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, try a shopping center, movie theater or public library. Avoid sun exposure, especially between 10 am and 2 pm, when the rays are strongest. Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening.
- Dress for the weather. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing that lets your skin breathe. Dark colors absorb heat, so stick with lighter shades. Wear a wide-brimmed hat in the sun to keep your head cool and use plenty of sunscreen to avoid sunburn, which can increase your skin temperature and make it harder to stay cool.
- Be aware of the signs of dehydration (below).If anyone in your family is ill, pay attention to how much they’re able to drink — especially young children and the elderly. Anyone with a fever, vomiting or diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids. Do not wait for signs of dehydration to appear.
Dehydration symptoms
Keep an eye out for any of these signs of dehydration in children or adults:
- Darker-than-usual urine
- Not urinating despite steadily drinking water
- Muscle cramps
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Craving sweets
- Dry mouth/skin
- Fast heartbeat
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
* This content appeared in San Diego Health, a publication in partnership between Scripps and San Diego Magazine that celebrates the healthy spirit of San Diego.
Do you have a safety tip you would like to share with our team? Or a safety topic you would like to see us cover in our monthly safety messages? The first 25 to reply to this email with a tip will be rewarded with a mask and lip balm for helping us out!
The Forge Safety Team is here to help you! We always want to keep you and other employees of Forge safe while on the job. This means we often need your help in communicating anything you feel is unsafe. You can email, call, or fill out the contact us form on our website (see below).
616-285-6860
https://forgestaff.com/job-seekers/safety-first/
Stay safe and never hesitate to reach out with any questions you have!
– The Forge Safety Team
