Last week, we looked at precautions to take when exercising in the heat. Especially important is drinking plenty of water. According to experts,

• About 75% of us are chronically dehydrated.
• In over a third of us, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.
• Even mild dehydration can slow down your metabolism as much as 3%.

Six to eight 8-oz glasses a day is the recommended amount to drink - more if it's hot and/or you're exercising. That's 1½ to 2 quarts. Don't drink beverages containing alcohol or caffeine, or carbonated drinks. They actually dehydrate the body.

Check your weight regularly during hot weather. If you are 2-3 pounds lighter in the morning than your usual weight, you probably need more fluid.

Related information Lifestyle changes: Exercise

Sources:

• Lifestyles for Health. Spring/Summer 2001 edition.
• Heat Shield, in Friendly Exchange. Farmers Insurance Co. Summer 2001.
• AHA. Nutrition for Fitness.