Staying Hydrated This 4th of July
As temperatures rise into the 80s this 4th of July weekend, doctors emphasize the importance of hydration.
Jeff Pothof, an emergency medicine physician at UW-Health, warns against relying solely on alcohol for hydration. “A good plan is not to think that you’re going to hydrate yourself with a 30 pack of Busch Lite; that just ain’t going to do it,” he said. To maintain hydration, he recommends drinking an average of one water bottle (16 ounces) per hour. Symptoms of dehydration to watch for include lightheadedness and cramping.
Additionally, Erin Honig, a physician with GHC Wisconsin, points out the risks of overhydration. Frequent bathroom visits in a short period may indicate you’re drinking too much water. Ignoring this can lead to confusion, palpitations, and muscle cramps.
Stay safe and hydrated this holiday!
