E are already halfway through the summer and the sun is in full effect with its heat forcing us to be constantly in front of fans or an AC unit.

A great way of beating the effects of the sun is through water.

Of course, drinking a lot of water is something that we often hear, but do you really take it seriously?

Water is lost through breathing, sweat and urine and needs to be replaced daily.

Here is some important infor about drinking water:

1 Being thirsty does not mean that you are dehydrated. When you are thirsty, water is the best drink to quench your thirst.

2 How much water you drink is dependent on the weather and how healthy you are. Six to eight glasses MAY NOT work for everyone, because not everyone can handle that much.

3 Fluoride in drinking water is not a health risk. It is safe for consumption and is great for oral health.

A healthy twist to drinking water — adding lime juice. Here are some interesting facts about doing so:

1 Just a teaspoon of lime juice or a squeeze of lime will do in a glass. If it is too bitter, then add less.

2 This mixture helps with weight loss. Its very high citric content is a very strong fat burner.

3 Lime keeps the skin healthy and fights diseases to make a healthier you.

4 Adding lime juice boosts your vitamin C intake and is tremendously better than drinking soft drinks or flavoured water that includes artificial flavouring.

5 This mixture does not have to be consumed all at once. It can be drunk sip by sip throughout the day as it is a great thirst quencher.

Despite the dry spell that Jamaica is experiencing, it should still be one of our priorities to ensure that we are hydrated especially during the summer.

Keeping hydrated results in healthy skin, proper body functions and a better, happier you!

— Sicourney Jackson