Summer time is a wonderful time to be outside playing games, swimming, hiking, or simply having a picnic, and staying busy means you’ll probably get thirsty! Stay hydrated on these hot days by keeping water with you, especially while hiking or swimming, since its easy to get absorbed in what you are doing and forget to get a drink.
It is hard to say exactly how much water each person needs a day. Eatright.org says there are many factors, like age, gender, and activity level that can make individual water needs vary. However, there are some basic recommendations – adult women need about 9 cups a day and men need about 12 1/2 cups per day. Kids can become dehydrated faster than adults because kids sweat less and tend to move more, so their body’s natural cooling system is not as effective as a teen or adult body.
Here are a few tips to help you get enough water each day, no matter your age!
- Listen to your body. If you feel thirsty, stop what you’re doing and get a glass of water.
- Carry a refillable water bottle. A water bottle on hand makes it easy to drink water. Make a goal to refill it several times a day to ensure you’re hitting the mark.
- Add some flavor! If you don’t enjoy the taste of plain water, you’re not very likely to drink it. Try making infused water to boost your level of enjoyment.
What is an infused water? Its just water with “stuff” in it, and that stuff can be any combo of fruits, veggies, herbs and flavorings you’d like. Captain Create has a few ideas to share, and they’re color coordinated for the month of July! You can start here, or create your own recipe to help you have a fun and hydrated summer season.
