Thirst is the mind’s way of telling the body to drink water. After feeling thirsty, a person may start experiencing headaches, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms could require medical attention that could have been avoided by keeping the body hydrated.
Water is the body’s principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in the body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.
A lack of water in the body can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.
Many of us are not dealing with the desert heat but all of us are dealing with the summer heat. It is crucial to maintain physical health and wellness, which includes being hydrated.
WATER
Make water available to all of your employees. To raise awareness of the need for water intake, have water options available in vending machines, ensure onsite water fountains are working, or even distribute company water bottles to remind employees to “fill up.” The amount of water needed for hydration varies by individual, but an attainable goal is eight 8 oz. glasses of water throughout the day.
DRINK WATER, NOT SODA
Sugary drinks are not an alternative to water and are a significant contributing factor in weight gain. A 24 oz. Mountain Dew contains 330 calories and 87 grams (approximately 22 teaspoons) of sugar.
Consider that some drivers might drink 2-3 of these or other soda drinks per day. This adds up to a lot of empty calories. Even diet drinks, though considered the lesser of two evils, are not healthy either. Many of the synthetic ingredients and artificial sweeteners used in today’s diet drinks are simply not good for you.
Many flavored waters, claim to be filled with extra vitamins and nutrients. But typically those products also offer empty calories and more than 8 teaspoons of sugar for each 20 oz bottle. You are typically better off taking a multivitamin and washing it down with cool clear water!
Taking small steps towards getting your employees to stay hydrated can yield big dividends. If you make hydration a priority for your employees, you will see morale and overall safety improve. Employees who have a healthy diet along with lots of water, get adequate rest and make better decisions.
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