Thursday, May 7, 2015

3 Tips for Warming Up for Spring - Tip 3



 
Water is essential for life. You can survive 3 weeks without food, but barely 3 days without water. So it’s obvious why hydration is so important to health. But what truly hydrates us? Is it just water or does a soda work, too? Patients always ask me what counts towards their daily water intake and how much water they need to stay healthy.
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It’s been a long winter and spring is in the air. For many that means tackling projects at home, clearing out the garden, or getting back to outdoor adventures like running, hiking or biking. I lovingly call it being a weekend warrior – squeezing every last bit of sunshine, energy and outdoor time out of the weekend before Monday morning starts the work week again.

The downside to being a weekend warrior? Going from zero to yard work hero without the proper prep and strategy can lead to injuries – from strains and sprains to serious pain. So before you put yourself at risk, take a look at 4 Tips for Warming Up for Spring:
3.       Replenish What You Lose

When you are working hard –whether at work or at play – your body is losing fuel. If you replenish it regularly with the right foods and fluids, you’ll stay hydrated and ready to go. If you neglect to break to fill your tank, you run the risk of dehydration and binging when you do stop for food. Running on an empty tank has no benefits!

My number one rule for outdoor adventures is to stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle with your throughout your day. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy water break; just take a moment to have a swig. If you’re working up a sweat (and that’s good!) be sure to drink extra water to replenish what you’re losing through your pores. Skip the sugary sports drinks and opt for regular old water. If you need some flavor, add some citrus like lemon, lime or orange.  Watermelon is also a great addition to water and a great snack (because it is 90% water).

My ideal outdoor snack is a handful of hearty trail mix full of nuts, dried fruit and maybe even a little dark chocolate. An apple or banana is also a great grab-and-go snack. Remember to plan a well-rounded meal for yourself prior to starting your adventure. Preparation will keep you from unnecessary snacking or being overly hungry when you sit down to eat.
 
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Please contact our office directly at 412-369-0400 or info@turofamilychiropractic.com for details.

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.  

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