May is Water Safety Month and because over 100,000 people drown each year worldwide, it’s best to make sure you are doing everything you can so that your family and loved ones stay safe around water. Keeping an eye on kids who are around water is always advised, but remember that even older kids and adults drown, too, so stay vigilant. A great idea is to assign someone to keep an eye on everyone anytime you’re around water.
Additional ideas to stay safe around water include avoiding alcohol and wearing a life jacket whenever you’re in a boat. Prevent swimmer’s ear by using a bathing cap or ear plugs. If you do get water in your ears, tilt your head to hold each ear so it’s facing down and pull your earlobe in different directions to help water drain out. Do not put objects in your ear canal (including cotton-tip swabs, pencils, paperclips, or fingers).
As the weather warms up, drinking plenty of water is an especially important part of staying healthy, too. Waiting until you’re thirsty to drink is waiting too long. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of many health issues, including headaches, constipation, joint pain and stiffness, and even blood pressure problems.
Our digestive system needs water to function properly, so drinking enough water helps flush out waste like urine and sweat. Drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water (if you weigh 150 pounds, drink at least 75 ounces of water each day). Eating raw fruits and vegetables that are dense in water, like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches, cucumbers, lettuce, zucchini, radishes, celery, and tomatoes can be counted as water intake. Drink water often, all day long. Drink an 8 ounce glass before going to bed and another upon waking.
Water safety is something that should be considered every month. Start now with these easy tips.