Glad You’re Staying Hydrated, But It’s Possible To Drink Too Much Water
During excessively hot days like we’re having, it’s important to stay hydrated. In fact, you can’t turn on the TV or radio without folks urging you to drink plenty of fluids. However, did you know it’s possible to drink too much water?
How Much Water IsToo Much Water?
You should not drink more than 48 ounces, or six cups, of water per hour. That’s according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and an article by Aliza Chasan on CBSNews.com. Basically, this is not a big problem for most people. Because, that’s a lot of water to drink in one hour. I drink about 1 ½ – 2 gallons of water per day, even in the winter. But, I don’t think I’ve ever downed 48 ounces in one hour.
If you ever drink too much water in a short time span, symptoms you may feel include “nausea, vomiting, headaches, altered mental state/confusion, fainting, lethargy and coma.” Whoa! That last symptom is kind of scary. A good way to judge whether or not you’re overhydrating is by the color of your urine. If it’s practically clear, you may want to give your kidneys a break. Conversely, if your urine is dark yellow, you’re not drinking enough.
For the most part, overhydration is seen most often in endurance athletes. In fact, a 17-year-old high school football player in Georgia died of overhydration in 2014. Per Chasan’s article, he drank two gallons of water and two gallons of Gatorade during football practice.
What’s The Best Way To Stay Safely Hydrated?
The CDC recommends that you don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. You should get in the habit of downing a glass (8 ounces) of water about every 15-20 minutes if you are exercising or working outdoors in the heat. Waiting until you’re thirsty to grab a drink is the first sign that you’re dehydrated.
For example, the average man needs about 15.5 cups of water per day to stay safely hydrated. By comparison, the average woman needs about 11.5 cups per day. In addition, women who are menstruating, pregnant, or lactating should drink more than that.
It’s also important to note that your body also gets hydration from the foods you eat. So, it is equally important to eat regular meals during this hot weather to keep your electrolytes in balance.
7 Ways To Beat The Las Vegas Summer Heat
7) Obviously... STAY HYDRATED
Las Vegas is (obviously) one of the driest cities in Nevada, with a higher than average occurrence of heat-related illnesses. The first and foremost thing to keep in mind when you’re in Vegas and doing ANY of the below activities is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid beverages that can dehydrate you like alcohol, soda, and coffee (but you know, a little might be alright).6) Hit The Pool
The City of Las Vegas is famous for its numerous swimming pools and water parks. Why not hit one of them with your family, your kiddos, or your friends and cool off? The Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino boasts of one of the best pool scenes in town and, believe it or not, even has a sandy beach. Plus there are plenty of local swimming pools and splash pads at our local Clark County parks. Grab your sunnies and your best swimwear and make a splash!
5) Visit An Ice Bar
Have you ever heard of an Ice Bar? It’s a winter wonderland in the middle of the hottest state in America. The Minus 5° Ice Experience is situated in three locations on the Las Vegas Strip – the Venetian Hotel, the LINQ Promenade, and Mandalay Bay. It’s a unique way to cool off and have a good time, and you will be provided with insulated parkas, gloves, and boots for your experience. You can also enjoy a premium cocktail in a glass made entirely of ice!
4) Go Shopping
When temperatures rise, it’s the perfect excuse to shop ’til you drop. The Fashion Show Mall, The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, and The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian will not only give you an air-conditioned refuge, but they house some of the most luxurious shops in the city, so take advantage of the malls while relaxing in some refreshingly cold air conditioning.
3) Head To Red Rock Canyon
Now I know what you’re thinking. Why would you go out in this heat and take part in a hike at Red Rock Canyon? The best part of this way to beat the Las Vegas summer heat is that parts of Red Rock Canyon are actually much cooler, at an average temperature in the mid-80s. The natural rock formations and scenic canyon will awe-inspire you, so rent a Jeep and explore or hike the Red Rock Canyon trails. Just make sure to bring lots of water and sun protection!
2) Visit A Museum
There are many excellent museums in Las Vegas that are packed with history and culture. If you’re not the kind to be held down by the heat, some of the popular museums that might interest you are the National Atomic Testing Museum, the Mob Museum, and the Neon Museum. Explore the air-conditioned hallways, and enrich your knowledge as you have fun!
1) Have A Spa Day
‘Tis hot, and you deserve a treat. Why not indulge yourself in a relaxing day spa experience? Bellagio Spa is known for its outstanding services and stunning views of the strip. The Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Palace is another place that has an excellent reputation for its variety of high-quality treatments. Spend a day being pampered, and your body will thank you.
Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
