Everyone requires water/decaffeinated fluids every day.  Some need more than others and some require less.You may ask, less fluids?  How can that be?  Some people who drink the recommended amounts of fluids actually can be contributing to fluid overload.  Individuals who are diagnosed with C.O.P.D. (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,) and Renal disease (Kidney disease) cannot drink what the average individual should drink, despite what they say on the News.  Fluid/volume overload puts these individuals at serious risk and may cause hospitalization due to fluid accumulation around the lungs.

If you are one of the individuals who have either of these two conditions, you may find it difficult to keep cool on those hot summer days.  You will find yourself very thirsty, but drinking extra fluids will not be beneficial. 

So, how do you keep cool and refreshed during those hot summer days?  It isn't going to be easy, but you do need to seek alternative sources of refreshment.  If  you are able to be in an air-conditioned home or building, stay indoors.  If you don't have this opportunity, visit the local mall or library where air-conditioning is available. 

If you cannot get anywhere to keep cool, use a fan to keep the air circulating in the room.  Keep all screened windows and doors open during the cool part of the day to maintain a cooler daytime temperature.  When the sun is high, pull your shades to keep the extra heat out.  Keep plenty of ice in the freezer.  This can be used to keep areas of your body cool.  Place a couple of ice cubes in a plastic bag or towel and place it around your neck.  Soak your feet in a cool container of water or take a cool bath/shower when you become uncomfortable.

To keep your lips moist, use some form of lip balm to keep your lips from becoming dry and cracking.  To keep your mouth moist, gargle with mouth wash or suck on hard candy.  I have found sugar free candy to work best as some sugared candies can make you extremely thirsty because high concentrations of sugar will pull water from your mouth to dilute the sugar you have been sucking on.

Try some of these ideas if you have conditions that restrict you from increasing your fluid intake.  If you have any other suggestions that you have used, I would love to hear them and we can pass this information on to other readers of this website.  Please contact me with your suggestions at teresaulrich@yahoo.com.