Summertime Survival Guide: Stay Hydrated

Our bodies are about two-thirds water. When someone gets dehydrated, it means that the amount of water in their body has dropped below what is needed for the body to work well. Drinking enough water is important during Louisiana’s hot summers. You may not be drinking enough if your mouth is dry, you have low or no urine output, sunken eyes, headaches and low energy.

To prevent dehydration:

• Drink more when the weather is hot or when you are exercising.
• Drink small amounts of fluid often rather than a large amount of fluid at one time.
• Electrolyte solutions or freezer pops are especially effective, and are preferable to sports drinks which contain a lot of sugar.

Call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms: dizziness, lightheadedness, lethargy or confusion.