Wellness Wednesday emails are designed to provide you with simple tools, information, and resources to encourage positive and healthy lifestyle choices. As a proud recipient of The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award, The Be Kind People Project is committed to the health and wellness of their employees, friends, and family.
Hydration is Key
It’s important to stay hydrated at all times, especially in the summer when heat strokes are more likely to occur. Proper hydration is recommended by the Mayo Clinic to prevent heat stroke during hot weather, so let’s talk about why it’s important to stay hydrated.
How Much Water Do You Need?
Your body is made up of around 60-75% water, varying over your lifetime, so you can imagine how important it is to keep it hydrated. Keeping hydrated is paramount to keeping your body working properly. Your body needs water to keep your body temperature regulated, lubricate and cushion your joints, protect your spine and tissues, and help eliminate waste.
But how much water do you actually need, according to your age?
- Children age 4-8: 5 cups, or 40 ounces
- Children age 9-13: 7-8 cups, or 56-64 ounces
- Children age 14-18: 8-11 cups, or 64-88 ounces
- Men, age 19 and older: 13 cups, or 104 ounces
- Women, age 19 and older: 9 cups, or 72 ounces
The Benefits
Now that you know how much water you should drink, it’s important to learn about why it’s beneficial for you. Besides being required for normal body function, keeping yourself well hydrated has numerous other advantages. Here are some benefits:
- Help maximize physical performance
- May help prevent the formation of kidney stones
- Boost your metabolism
- May prevent or help treat headaches
Water-Rich Foods
While drinking water is important, there are other water-rich sources that contribute to your overall hydration. Most foods contribute to your day-to-day hydration, but some foods, like fruits and vegetables, are exceptionally high in water content. Here are some of those sources:
- Strawberries: 91% water content
- Peaches: 89% water content
- Cottage Cheese: 80% water content
- Cabbage: 92% water content
- Cauliflower: 92% water content
Need some help staying hydrated?
Download the Daily Water Tracker Reminder app off the Apple App Store or Google Play!
This app allows you to set reminders to help you stay hydrated and healthy throughout your day.
Published June 24th, 2020
By Krysta Flores, School Wellness Programs & Events Coordinator
Questions? Comments? Want to contribute to the Wellness Wednesday Bulletin?
Send your ideas to Krysta Flores at krysta@bkpp.org.
