It’s time for another Austin Sports Medicine 101 class!
For many, summertime means outdoor activities, prolonged exposure to the sun, and excessive sweating—all of which can lead to dehydration. Although dehydration can happen any time of the year, the summer months are of particular concern because of the higher temperatures.
A few common ways a person can become dehydrated include:
- Not enough water/fluid ingestion
- Exercising in dry/hot weather or in high altitude locations
- Exercising for an excessive amount of time
- Intense sweating
- Not replacing fluid losses that occur when partaking in physical activity
Dehydration prevention should take place the day before a person plans to exercise or participate in an outdoor event. The average adult should drink 64 ounces of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic drinks a day. Add an additional 16 ounces for every hour of exercise. Different body types require different levels of hydration, so some may need a little more or less to prevent dehydration. Remember, once thirst sets in, so has dehydration!
