- Follow conventional wisdom�drink at least eight, eight-ounce servings of water each day. The more time you spend outside, the more water you need to replenish lost fluids.
- Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. By the time you feel thirsty, you probably have already lost two or more cups of your total body water.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Convenience is a must, so carry a bottle of water with you as you commute to work, run errands or enjoy the day at the beach or in the mountains.
- Don't substitute caffeinated coffees, teas and sodas for water. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, causing you to lose water through increased urination. Alcoholic beverages have a similar effect.
- Keep a bottle of water on your desk if finding time to drink water is a problem. Or, visit the office water cooler and take a water break rather than a coffee break.
- Once you start exercising, don't stop drinking. Keep a bottle of water with you and take frequent water breaks.
- Don't underestimate the amount of fluids lost from perspiration. You need to drink two cups of water for each pound lost following a workout.
- Start and end your day with a serving of water. Your body loses water while you sleep. So drink a serving before bed and again when you wake up.
- Don't forget that common maladies such as colds and the flu can frequently lead to dehydration. Keep a large bottle of water next to your bed so you can sip it throughout the day without having to get up.
- Remember that when it's warm outside, cold water � not carbonated soft drinks or sport drinks � is the best fluid for keeping hydrated.
- Cool water is absorbed much more quickly than warm fluids and may have a positive effect on cooling off your overheated body.
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