Unfortunately, the summer has been the season of Extreme Heat here in the northeast as people continuously battle these sweltering conditions in Toronto. Our physiotherapy clinics have seen an influx of patients enter our clinics as a result of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Unfortunately, most of these patients work in the outdoors and are severely hydrated, which is why today we’re speaking solely on the topic of hydration. At HealthMax Physiotherapy, we’re constantly trying to educate the community on ways to stay healthy and hydration is very serious when it comes to battling extreme heat.

Drink Water

Ever since we were kids, the standard idea that we were always taught was to drink at least eight glasses of water per day in order to stay healthy and hydrated. While eight glasses is surely enough to keep you hydrated during everyday tasks, it’s simply not enough for anyone working in extremely hot conditions. As a way to stay safe and healthy, please double your water intake in an effort to stay hydrated. That means if you work in the outdoors during the summer, at the very least, consider drinking 16 glasses of water per day.

Purchase a Hydration Mix

If you cannot drink 16 glasses of water per day due to a hectic schedule or other circumstances, then a hydration mix may be right for you. Hydration mixes could be found at any health store and they are designed to keep you hydrated for long periods of time. These hydration drinks have plenty of electrolytes and while they are not as beneficial for you as water, they will keep you hydrated.

Eat Water

You may have never heard the term “eat water,” because let’s face it, no one has ever eaten water before, however, it’s entirely plausible. While no one could directly eat water, you could certainly have a diet consisting of foods that are made up mostly of water. Foods like watermelon, celery, strawberries, and cucumbers are made up of at least 80% water meaning that it’s best to change your diet if you work outside to stay hydrated at all times. Foods as simple as celery or cucumbers will keep you just as hydrated as drinking a glass of water.

Finish the Day With A Healthy Drink

According to the American Heart Association, you’re likely to sweat off eight pounds of water during the course of a standard eight hour work day. That means you’re losing a pound of water every hour. To combat this, it’s important to finish your day with something very hydrating like a coconut water, smoothie, or sports drink.

Be Aware Of Your Health

Researchers estimate that those over the age of 50, or those with preexisting heart conditions are at an increased risk of getting heat stroke or a heat-related illness. It’s important to be aware of the risks of working outdoors in extreme heat and in most cases, your body may not operate like it normally would during a regular working day. It’s important to be aware of the risks of working in extreme heat conditions and be sure to move at a slower pace throughout the day.

If you would like to find out more about how to stay hydrated, or workplace safety conditions, please visit a HealthMax Physiotherapy Clinic near you or call (416) 431-4000. Remember, consultations are free!

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