Tuesday, January 25, 2011

How to stay hydrated and warm in winter

Combine dehydration with shortened daylight in winter and it might feel like all of your energy has been zapped. Lack of water can leave us feeling tired (according to the Mayo Clinic). The weight of our bodies is 60% water, and all of our vital organs depend on a good daily dose of H2O to operate well.

We lose water when we breath, perspire, and eliminate food waste. In the winter when the air is dry and cold we may not be aware of how much we perspire. Also, the tendency in winter is to drink hot liquids like coffee and tea, which may contain caffeine and act as a diuretic, causing us to eliminate fluids more quickly.

Check out the Mayo Clinic article, "Water: How Much Should You Drink Each Day?" to find out about quantities, other tips, and information.

Man using Moose microwave heat pad and body warmer while reading the newspaper
Magnificent Moose Body Warmer
If a cold glass of water on a frigid winter day turns you off, then you may want to stick to hot, caffeine-free teas, or plain hot water (maybe with a slice of lemon).  Keep a Maine Warmer microwave heating pad handy to help keep warm during the cold winter months. A Cozy Sheep makes a perfect bed warmer and gift for someone who is inactive due to an illness. A Magnificent Moose warms cold hands -- and the heart -- and is an especially nice gift for a man. Microwave heating pads make winter more comfortable.

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