In the loosely rearranged and sparkling words of Irving Berlin, hopefully portrayed here in a manner designed not to breach anyone’s copyright, we’re experiencing a wave of heat , perhaps even a wave of heat of the tropical variety .. well not exactly but it’s certainly warm enough out there to be sipping a few extra glasses of the Ale of Adam. H2O, Aqua… water! Yes, you know. Water!
As it happens, in the song, the heat wave was started by an attractive young woman allowing her seat to wave so it was less of a meteorological event than a sensual and innuendo based one, but it is one one of my favourite rhymes ever and a great song by a great songwriter.
However. If it’s hot out there it makes us thirsty and it’s a little-known fact but the minute you get thirsty, you are already on the slip-road to the dehydration motorway and many people just don’t drink enough. As the temperature rises, you should adjust by drinking more water. In fact, it’s better to drink some before you go out to stay ahead of the game.
I was thinking this as I sat in the garden on Sunday, sipping on a cold glass of slightly sparkling water… yes I do drink it occasionally and I don’t need to be reminded of what WC Fields said about what fish do in it thank you!
“I don’t care what fish do in it… I’m thirsty”
Because, even when sitting in the heat, you need to keep drinking water.
So if you are working hard in the garden, in the heat, are you hydrating enough? I’ll bet a pint of Grubnasty’s Furtling Ferret that the answer is no. So many people don’t.
Drinking water is vital for your body it keeps the heart going and pumping so your muscles work properly – which you need for gardening – it hydrates the brain and, of course, it’s essential for all of your organs. Don’t forget we are mainly water. Heaven forbid you lose all your water, you’d just be a little pile of powder and crystals on the floor, like that freaky Star Trek episode.
I know too many people who stand sweating in the garden for hours without re-hydrating and complain of headaches… this is a sign of brain dehydration. Trying to work for ages without eating (or drinking for that matter) is not big, clever or macho – it’s dangerous!
Basically, you are perspiring (gentlemen) glowing (ladies) or sweating buckets (horses and Lee Evans) you need to replenish the fluid you lose by drinking water.
You can drink juices and squashes but pure, clear, cool water is by far the best thing. Alcohol is definitely a no-no, as it actually dehydrates you more so wait for that cold beer, jug of Pimms or G&T until after you have finished.
Now here’s the other one.
This is not a good colour on anyone except prawns.
Keep your shirt on. I mean literally. Remember that even on cloudy days the sun is burning away at your skin like a big yellow blowtorch, and even if you think you’re Jack the lad, Jill the Lass, or even Bob the Blooming Builder, cover any exposed skin in high-factor sunblock and don’t stay out in the sun too long. Too many people out there have skin problems caused by over-exposure. Don’t let it be you. And wear a hat. You are, remember, never fully dressed without one. I have a hat so battered and old it’s grade 2 listed and my wife hates it but it keeps Mr Sun from burning my head!
Really now, whatever your age, whatever your skin type, whatever your feelings about it, take it easy, drink water, keep covered or sun-blocked (it doesn’t last forever you know) and pop into the shade at regular intervals. In fact if you are over 50, you might need to drink even more!
So that’s it. Stay hydrated and enjoy your garden and a glass of water. Drew Hardy
