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Known for being a tropical climate, Singapore is no stranger to humid days. However, these days, the El Niño phenomenon has made the country’s already humid weather even more intense. It has brought about an intense heat wave with prolonged periods of high temperatures and humidity, significantly affecting everyone’s daily lives. The impact is felt across all sectors, from construction sites to air-conditioned office spaces. For those who constantly need to be outdoors or are frequently exposed to heat, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to avoid heat stress.

What Is Heat Stress?

Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to cool itself adequately, leading to various heat-related conditions and even illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

This is because when exposed to high temperatures, the body struggles to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe health issues, including dizziness, headaches, and fainting.

Who Is More Prone to Heat Stress?

Certain individuals are more susceptible to heat stress, including:

• Athletes and fitness enthusiasts engaging in outdoor activities.
• Elderly individuals and young children whose bodies may not regulate temperature as efficiently.
• People with pre-existing health conditions, such as heart disease or Diabetes.
• Office workers who commute or frequently step out during peak heat hours.

The Role of Dehydration in Heat Stress

Dehydration is a primary contributor to heat stress and other heat-related issues. When the body loses more fluids than it takes in, it becomes difficult to regulate temperature and maintain vital bodily functions.

On notably humid days, excessive sweating can lead to a significant loss of fluids, making it challenging for the body to regulate temperature and sustain essential bodily functions. This heightened fluid loss raises the risk of dehydration.

And once dehydration ensues, it proves challenging to rectify. The body necessitates a continuous influx of fluids to compensate for losses incurred through perspiration, urination, and respiration. Lagging behind in hydration initiates a detrimental cycle, impeding optimal bodily function and intensifying the repercussions of heat stress.

Furthermore, dehydration extends beyond physical well-being, exerting a notable influence on cognitive acuity and professional efficacy. Symptoms like fatigue, diminished focus, and impaired decision-making aptitude can significantly lower productivity and increase the risk of accidents, especially in high-stakes environments.

Tips On Staying Hydrated Throughout a Humid Day

The key to ensuring proper heat stress management and combatting dehydration is consistent water or healthy fluid intake. Consider implementing these hydration habits into your daily routine so that you can have the right amount of fluids in your system:

1. Start the Day Hydrated

Begin your day by drinking a substantial amount of water. Aiming for at least 500 ml (about two cups) of water upon waking up can set a strong foundation for the rest of the day. This practice ensures that your body begins the day in a hydrated state, which is particularly important if you perspire during the night or were engaging in physical activity the day before.

2. Drink Water Before Feeling Thirsty

Thirst is an indicator of dehydration. To avoid this, make it a habit to drink water, even before feeling thirsty. You can set reminders on your phone to prompt you to take small sips throughout the day. The aim is to drink at least a glass of water every hour. However, if you’re engaging in physical activity or planning to spend time outdoors in the intense heat, you should increase your intake.

3. Have a Hydration Strategy When Your Work Requires Heat Exposure

For those constantly exposed to heat, having a well-thought-out hydration strategy is crucial. One of the most basic yet effective steps is to carry a water bottle at all times. This ensures that water is readily available whenever needed, making it easier to take frequent sips and maintain hydration levels throughout the day. Moreover, you should take your regular water breaks in shaded or cooler areas so that your body can cool down. This practice helps prevent your core temperature from rising too high, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

In addition to drinking water, incorporating electrolyte-rich drinks into your hydration plan can be beneficial. When you sweat, your body loses not only water but also essential salts and minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These electrolytes are vital for promoting fluid balance, muscle function, and overall health. Drinks like sports beverages, coconut water, and specially formulated electrolyte solutions can help address the effects of dehydration.

4. Replenish Fluids Post-Work

After a long day, it’s crucial to rehydrate to restore the body’s fluid balance. Therefore, once you get home from work, it’s recommended that the first thing you do is replenish your body with a refreshing glass of water.

In addition, incorporating foods with high water content into your diet can also aid in rehydration. Fruits like watermelon and oranges not only provide fluids but also deliver essential vitamins and minerals. In contrast, it’s advisable to avoid diuretics such as caffeinated and alcoholic beverages post-work, as they can increase urine production and exacerbate dehydration.

How Does Purehan Water Dispenser Help to Stay Hydrated at Home or at the Office?

At Purehan, we understand the power of hydration. That’s why we provide homeowners and employers with feature-rich cooling water dispensers that can conveniently provide refreshing water at home or in the office. Offering up to 8 temperature settings and 5 output options, Purehan puts you in command of your hydration preferences, ensuring the perfect cold and hot water for your beverages. Enjoy pure and clean drinking water with an advanced 9-stage nanofiltration system that effectively removes unwanted contaminants from the water..

Plus, incorporating our home or office cooler water into your or your worker’s daily routine ensures that everyone always has access to fresh, cool water, promoting better health and overall well-being.

If you want more tips on choosing a water purifier for your home or office, check out our guide on how to choose a home water purifier.