We sure could use some rain in Scottsdale. That’s the thought that ran through my head today as I sat in front of my computer breathing in the dry air. We all need water to live. In fact, our bodies are up to 60% water…that’s over half! So in these triple digit temperatures that are upon us as every summer, and only getting hotter, it’s time to consider how to take care of yourself, and the more fragile among us including children, the elderly, and animals.
We all know NEVER to leave anyone person or beast in a car. While the temperature outside may not seem that bad, remember that outside, a breeze may be blowing, and an enclosed car, even with a window cracked is just as bad as any hot box torture. Every year children and animals die in hot cars.
A fun way to keep cool in the summer is to hop in the pool most homes have in their backyard. Did you know that a child can drown in only 2 inches of water? Their heads are heavier than the rest of their bodies until about school age, and they haven’t developed the arm, chest, or neck muscles that you and I have to pull ourselves out of danger. Make sure you have a pool fence, and that little hands can’t undo the locks.
On to much more fun topics now that general safety is out of the way. Even if water isn’t falling from the sky, it should be going in your body! The old rule was six to eight glasses of water a day. That rule is a little passe today, and scientists say you should drink whenever you feel thirsty. Still, beware of this in the desert. Dehydration can creep up on you before you know it. When we go outside, it’s often so hot and dry that our sweat evaporates right off of our skin. While this can be helpful for hanging around others, it doesn’t always let you know how much water your body is losing. So be sure to keep drinking. Either in bottles, or filtered from the tap it will not only do you good, but it’s great for your skin and hair too. If water just isn’t your cup of tea, try flavored water. Not the sugary stuff you’d buy in the store, but your own! Try soaking sliced lemons, limes, oranges, strawberries, kiwis, or any other fruit in a pitcher of water overnight in the fridge. In the morning, you’ll have a nice supply of cold, fruit flavored water. If you want, you can turn this flavored water into flavored ice cubes!
As we heat up, please remember to be safe out there. Consider where you’re going before you step out the door. Will you need to bring some water? Will you need sunscreen? Especially if you plan to hike one of our many trails, a hat, sunscreen, and water are definitely recommended. Be safe, be prepared, and have fun!