Temperatures can reach the upper 80s, 90s and even higher in North Carolina during the summer months. The temperature plus humidity can easily send the heat index into the 100’s. Staying cool can be tough. During this time, it is important to limit outdoor activities especially if you’re not properly hydrated. While everyone is at risk during the summer months, special attention should be given vulnerable populations such as older adults and young children.
Fortunately, our body has a natural way of cooling itself. Through perspiration or sweating fluid is excreted through the skin that acts as a cooling agent to regulate body temperature within normal, healthy ranges.
Those exposed to high temperatures may be at risk of dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body doesn’t have adequate fluid. Fluid levels fall below normal when too little fluid is consumed and or too much is lost or excreted. Being dehydrated can affect how you feel and your ability to move and think. Symptoms of dehydration include: increased body temperature, breathing and pulse rate; dry mouth; fatigue; weakness; dizziness; headache; and dark colored urine.
Drinking water is one way to stay hydrated. The Institute of Medicine reports that people get roughly 80 percent of their necessary water intake from drinking water and other beverages. The other 20 percent comes from eating foods. Some foods have particularly high moisture contents and can be helpful when trying to stay hydrated, especially for those who don’t like to drink much.
The following are some examples of non-beverage SNAP eligible foods (fresh, frozen, canned, or prepared) that are good sources of water. When eaten, these foods can help you stay hydrated and in the hot summer months:| Applesauce | Peaches |
| Apricots | Pears |
| Beans | Plums |
| Blueberries | Pineapple |
| Cereals, (Cream of Wheat, oatmeal, and grits) | Pumpkin |
| Celery | Sauerkraut |
| Corn* | Spaghetti |
| Cucumber | Squash* |
| Frozen treats like fruit based popsicles, sherbets and dairy products, and ice pops | Strawberries |
| Fruit cocktail | Soups and broths |
| Gelatin (plain or flavored varieties) | Tangerines (mandarin oranges) |
| Grapefruit | Tomatoes |
| Lettuces (examples iceberg and romaine) | Watermelon* |
| Papaya | Yogurt |
