Hello again. Last time we looked at one way to stay safe this summer by using sunscreen to protect us from sun burn and sun damage. As promised, let's look at the vital importance of proper hydration to stay healthy in the hot days ahead.

The importance of drinking water really hit home for me as a college student. Between my second and third years of college, I spent the summer working for the U.S. Forest Service on Mt. Adams in Trout Lake, WA. This was an amazing experience working outdoors in the deep forest. Daily tasks included long hikes into the woods to survey the terrain. I avoided drinking water while away from bathroom facilities.

One extremely hot day my dehydration caught up with me, and I experienced heat exhaustion and passed out. Fortunately I was working with a crew leader who saw what was happening and took care of me quickly. She moved me to a cool, shaded area, gave me plenty of fluids, removed my boots and socks, and placed my feet in a cool stream. Because she acted so quickly I was able to fully recover. That was an experience I didn't want to have again, so I began to drink water before, during, and after work to stay hydrated.

As you exercise, work, and play in the heat, be wise and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Send plenty of water with your children as they play outside. Encourage them to drink water when playing sports and limit the amount of sugary sports drinks they consume. Water will keep them hydrated more effectively than the other drink options. For more information on the importance of water to a healthy lifestyle, read Water for Wellness, Water for Life on LifeWay.com.

Be smart this summer by using sunscreen and drinking plenty of cool, refreshing water. Remember, "Progress, not perfection" on your wellness journey.

Take care,
Branda

"Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again – ever! In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life."  John 4:13-14 (Holman Christian Standard Bible).

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