The general rule for how much hydration you need each day is that you should drink one-third of your body weight in fluid ounces. A person who weighs 150 pounds should try to drink about 50 ounces per day. That’s about 6.25 cups per day. This is especially important for seniors who can become easily dehydrated.
As you can see, you don’t have to drown yourself because that is dangerous. Most of the time, if we are conscious of when we are thirsty and have a few sips of water we will be alright. But that doesn’t always happen and as seniors that can be a problem.
My dad had several episodes of disorientation because he didn’t drink enough water. My sister, who was taking care of him, had to add flavoring because otherwise, he wouldn’t touch it.
I had two instances of fainting because I didn’t track my hydration and went too long without water on hot days. Now, I don’t go anywhere without a bottle in my purse and in my car so I can sip it throughout the day.
Other symptoms of dehydration besides confusion and fainting include:
- dry mouth
- muscle cramping
- decreased urination
- dizziness
- fatigue
- headaches
- kidney stones
- nausea
- rapid heart rate
- constipation
- dark urine
- seizures
- sunken eyes
- heat injury
- low blood pressure
- urinary tract infections.
As you can see not staying hydrated is a serious concern.
Technology to the rescue
I came across an innovative smart water bottle from a company called WaterH at an expo that not only tracks your daily hydration levels but can also tell you what contaminates are in the water you are drinking. I think that’s pretty darn cool!
Watch my quick video demonstrating the WaterH Smart Water Bottle
Click on the player below.
All you have to do is charge it up, pair it with the company’s smartphone app, and start drinking.
A smart water quality TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensor is built into the bottom of the bottle. It scans your water quality which gives you an analysis on the app. A filter is attached to the straw lid so that the water you are drinking is as pure as possible.
The Water H bottle automatically tracks your hydration level, so you don’t have to think about it. Many times, as we go through our day, we may forget to drink but that’s not a problem with this smart water bottle. An LED light will give you a reminder to drink if you haven’t had a sip in a while.
The WaterH app
The app is available for IOS as well as Android. It monitors your hydration levels, you can customize your reminder notification and frequency, and it helps you set personalized goals based on your age, weight, and activity level.
A bottle made to last
The wireless charging station that comes with the bottle can be initially charged by plugging in its USB cable to any wall charger. Then, place the bottle on the charging station until it is fully charged. A red light will come on to alert you if the battery is low, a breathing green light means it’s charging and a steady green light appears when it’s ready to go. A breathing blue light will remind you to take a sip.
The WaterH bottle is made of medical-grade stainless steel and is solidly built to last. You can use it with liquids up to 140 degrees. It has a reusable straw connected to a spout. It is attractively designed, dishwasher safe, and comes in ivory white, magnetite blue, or seashell blue.
It currently sells for $80.
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