Being the mascot of the Pittsburgh Penguins® is a busy job. Whether he is dancing on the ice, working in the office, or saying hello to fans, Iceburgh knows he needs to keep his heart in tip-top shape. Staying hydrated is a key part of having a healthy heart.
Let’s learn more about how Iceburgh stays hydrated:
Hydration Basics: 3 Facts to Know
Your heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood every day—and when you’re properly hydrated, it has an easier time circulating all that blood. Keeping up on your fluid intake is important to ensure your heart can function properly.
Water does more than just help your heart pump blood. It also keeps your body at a normal temperature, helps get rid of waste, lubricates and cushions joints, and protects your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
So, how much fluid should you be consuming? Ideally, men should aim for about 125 ounces. a day, while women should try to get 91 ounces. At a minimum, shoot for eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
In addition, try to drink 4 to 8 ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes while you are exercising or engaging in physical activity in order to prevent dehydration.
Dangers of Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t get enough fluids, so it is critical to ensure you’re consuming enough.
A dehydrated heart retains sodium, which can lead to a decrease in blood pumped. This results in heart palpitations. If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations for restricting fluids.
Symptoms of Dehydration Include
- Decrease in energy
- Muscle fatigue and cramps
- Poor athletic performance
- Headache
- Decline in coordination
To combat, dehydration, carry a water bottle, or tumbler, like Iceburgh’s, with you throughout the day.