Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and every part of our bodies depends on
water. So water is important for healthy skin, hair, and nails, as well
as controlling body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Keeping a cold jug of water in the refrigerator is a great way to get the kids to drink more water rather than those sugary drinks that are full of chemicals.
To save room in the fridge... keep a Slimline container filled with water. Convenient to quick fill a glass & it does not take up so much room as a large pitcher.
You can stay fully hydrated throughout the day by drinking water and other fluids, as well as eating foods that are hydrating.
What Counts as Water?
Fruits are an excellent source for water. Watermelon is 90%
water, so it ranks highest on the list. Oranges, grapefruit, and melons
like cantaloupe and honeydew are also strong contenders.
Vegetables, though not as full of water as fruit, can also
provide a nutrient-rich water source. Stick with celery, cucumbers,
tomatoes, green peppers, and Romaine lettuce.
Coffee and tea also count in your tally. Many used to believe that they
were dehydrating, but that myth has been debunked. The diuretic effect
does not offset hydration.
If you don't like the taste of plain water, add a lemon
to it. Or mash fruit... strawberries, blueberries or whatever you like & stir it in.
Remember... during the hot summer days or if you are working out, drink up & stay healthy.
It’s summertime... Protect yourself and your family from West Nile Virus.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents
containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus
and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To
optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according
to the label instructions.
For DEET FREE.... use products like Bugables Bracelets. Natural oils & Citronella. Safer for Children than products containing DEET. Great to send with them at camp.
- When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with
repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will
give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin
directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your
clothing. DEET free Bugable Bracelets work well for this reason.
- Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours. Take
extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn
or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus...
No symptoms in most people. Most people (70-80%) who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. That is why it is SO important to not get bitten in the first place.
About 1 in 5 people
who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as
headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most
people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but
fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
