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The Hot Days of Summer
Keeping Hydrated While on the Road By Carma Haley Shoemaker
"Instead of apple juice, we decided to take Kool-Aid on our beach trip last year," says McKinney. "I made it ahead of time and put it in a plastic pitcher with a real tight-fitting lid. We took along plastic cups and an ice chest and had drink breaks when we stopped for gas or had a potty break."
Sports drinks have become very popular and their claims of "re-hydrating" the body has them being chosen by millions. Sports drinks do contain electrolytes, which is what the body loses during exercise or strenuous activity. However, unless someone is at high risk of being dehydrated quickly and easily, such as mowing the lawn at noon in July, the need for sports drinks in not considerable. Unless chosen for the taste, sports drinks can be left at home. Sports drinks do not spoil, but can lose both their taste and benefit if left exposed to high temperatures.
The easiest way to avoid dehydration while traveling is to ensure that plenty of beverages are available for everyone. While water is still the best choice, there are alternative beverages to keep the family well hydrated while pleasing a variety of tastes. "The best way to get the water you need while traveling is to carry bottled water with you for you and your children," says Majette. "Freeze bottles of water overnight so that you will have cold water throughout your trip. Also, consider buying bottled water that comes with a sports cap so no matter what the activity, you can easily hydrate yourself."
Make your family vacation more enjoyable by both providing plenty of fluids and making a wise choice of beverages. And, plan on plenty of bathroom breaks!