On board

Alcohol and the Sun!

The summer is here again – and what a start we have had with the lovely weather. Long sunny, warm evenings; there's nothing better than a nice cool drink outside to end your day. Then there's our annual holiday, where we meet very hot temperatures and we don't have to work – just party! But we must remember the dangers of drinking too much alcohol whilst in the sun –

Put very simply, alcohol dehydrates your body. If alcohol is all you are drinking and you are out on a hot, sunny day, it's easy to see why the combination can be dangerous. A dehydrated body is more prone to heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can cause a person to have a high body temperature, be dizzy, or even go unconscious. Even worse, heat exhaustion that is not immediately taken care of can lead to a heat stroke. During a heat stroke, the person generally experiences a spike in body temperature that can lead to coma. These illness can materialise so quickly that the person may not even have a chance to realise they are dehydrated. Add that to the fact that you are drinking a cold drink which is making you feel like you are hydrating your body and it's easy to see how the symptoms could be temporarily missed. The most important thing is prevention.

If you can pass on alcoholic beverages, then that is going to be your best course of action. However, everybody loves a good time and some believe alcohol just has to be a part of that – especially when we are on holiday! There's nothing wrong with that, but if you are going to combine it with some sun, use a little precaution-

·        Drinking water is the best way to prevent dehydration due to alcohol. Although you may be enjoying your beer and wine, keep sipping water on the side to make sure your body stays as hydrated as it needs. A glass of water with every other glass of beer/wine is a good plan!

·        If you don't like water try non-carbonated drinks without caffeine. Carbonated drinks do not rehydrate your body enough to negate the dehydrating effects of alcohol. Drink juice or sports drinks.

Having an alcoholic drink outside in the summer doesn't have to pose health risks as long as you take precautions. Keep in mind that alcohol dehydrates and even though you are quenching your thirst, your body is losing water. Replenish that and you will be fine. Staying safe is the best way to have a good time.  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!