Even the Dogs Know Water is Needed

By Dean Volk, PT, Carolinas Leading Therapist

One thing we started doing at Volk PT this summer is enjoying Therapy Dog visits to help alleviate the stress in our clients, but also to try to help us all enjoy the Dog Dayz of Summer. If you have a dog, you should notice how much more water they are drinking now, compared to the cooler months. Even the Dogs know the need of hydrating to maintain their health and energy levels.

 

With the heat of the summer upon us, it is especially important to keep drinking water!! It is so easy to overlook the most basic need our body has, but during the heat of the summer it could be a costly oversight.

Many people enjoy just getting outdoors and walking, sun tanning or laying by the pool or working in their yard, during this time of year. For many, walking is a very simple and affordable form of exercise. For some, it is about being more “being one with nature”', others just love the warmth of the sun on their face, while others get outside as an effective way to decrease stress.

Whatever your reason for being out and about in the heat, remember to drink enough water to keep you hydrated and healthy. It is critical for everyone, those of us who exercise, even more critical for our body to get enough water for normal function and repair. The old golden rule for water drinking was simply drinking 8 glasses of 8oz/day. Though one size does not fit all, as we are all different shapes, sizes and we have different activity levels. More recently, it is suggested to daily drink between .5oz. and 1oz. of water for each pound you weigh. That being said, the warmer the weather, the more toward the higher end of that range you will need.

Enjoy the outdoors, get active, keep moving and remember it is vital to your health to stay hydrated!!!