Kids don’t cool down as quickly as adults. Their body temperature rises more quickly, and doesn’t come down as fast, so it’s important for parents to provide plenty of opportunities to “chill” during the hot summer days ahead.

Seniors are also at risk.

In addition to drinking plenty of water, frozen fruits provide a great way to provide healthy hydration. Pop grapes, berries and melon chunks in the freezer for great summer snacks. In addition to being delicious and nutritious, they also have high water content. Sliced fruits are also satisfying summer snacks. Some of our summer favorites are packed with water, so keep them on hand.

STAY HAPPY &  HYDRATED

Summertime is a fun time. The longer, sunnier days of the season make it easier to get out and play, but also increase the importance of staying hydrated.

The Michigan Fitness Foundation’s team of healthy living experts recommend the following tips to keep everyone happy and hydrated:

START EARLY AND SERVE OFTEN

Get in plenty of water and fruits and vegetables with high water content at meal and snack times and at regular intervals in between. Offer water before bed to get in additional hydration, particularly important if you are sleeping in an area that is not air conditioned or has limited fans.

OFFER HEALTHY CHOICES

Give your child a choice: Ask “Which would you like, milk or water?”

ADD FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES SLICES TO WATER AND CHILL.

Some of our favorites are lemon, orange, raspberry, pineapple and cucumber, which really “spark up” variety and flavor.

SLICE AND SERVE

Some summer fruits have lots of water content. One summer favorite, watermelon is made up of more than 91 percent water! Other summer foods high in water content include berries, apples, cherries, grapes, oranges, cucumbers, melons, pineapples and leafy greens, like spinach and arugula. DOUBLE DUTY. Freeze bottled water and pack alongside other beverages. The frozen bottles will keep other drinks cool and save on the weight of added ice cubes.

MAKE IT STICK

Make your own popsicles by adding fresh fruit to water or yogurt or puree and freeze fruit in ice cube trays, paper cups or plastic “popsicle” molds. Add a wooden stick (available at most dollar, convenience and grocery stores) and freeze. Some great starters are strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, peaches, nectarines and bananas.

GO NATURAL

Sliced bananas, pineapples, grapes, berries, melons, and peaches are great frozen treats. Pop them in the freezer for a simple summer snack.

Editor’s Note: To get nutrition and meal preparation tips, check out our STIR archives, which are filled with healthy recipes, tips and tricks that prove healthy eating doesn’t mean ho-hum. Learn more about the Michigan Fitness Foundation’s commitment to supporting healthy lifestyles at: www.michiganfitness.org

Images: Shutterstock, Inc.

  avoiding heat stroke, Healthy Foods, Michigan Fitness Foundation, staying hydrated, STIR