How to beat summer heat & dehydration

We've all been there. You're working in the garden or walking along when you start to feel off. You're sluggish, dizzy, and maybe even a little irritable. Dehydration has snuck up again, and you never even saw it coming!

Now that summer’s officially here, we’ve put together some helpful tips on preventing and dealing with dehydration from overheating, and how your tax-free funds can help.

Common causes

• Working outdoors in the sun
• Drinking too much alcohol (and not enough water)
• Exercising outside or in hot environments
• Sunbathing
• Driving in a hot car with no A/C

Knowing the signs

If you notice the below, it’s important to rehydrate. In more severe cases, dehydration can lead to serious complications and might require medical attention.

• Thirst
• Dry mouth and dry skin
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness (from low blood pressure)
• Headache 
• Reduced urine output or dark-colored urine
• Muscle cramps
• Sunken eyes 
• Confusion or irritability

How to treat and avoid

Despite the extreme circumstances that can result from dehydration, relieving it can often be simple. Here are some steps you can take to treat and prevent it in the first place:

• Drink more water—keep a bottle with you throughout the day if you can
• Try electrolyte-packed, energy-boosting drink packets: they’re 100% eligible
• Avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the day
• Wear weather-appropriate clothes to keep cool
• Take breaks when you need them and stay in the shade as much as possible
• Check the temps outside ahead of time (it helps to be prepared)

If you're still struggling, feeling weak, dizzy or confused, seek immediate medical help. Anyone with a fever over 103 degrees should be immediately taken to a hospital.

You can use your FSA to cover a visit to urgent care, the emergency room or your primary care doctor. If they prescribe something or run tests to determine the severity of your dehydration, those will also be covered.

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