Summer is quickly approaching,Tips to Prevent Dehydration in Young Athletes During Summer Activities

School will be out soon, and your kids are probably looking forward to summer activities in the warm weather. If your child is an athlete, you're gearing up for summer sports but dehydration is a real danger in the heat of summer.

Keeping your child hydrated throughout the warm summer months is a must so they can enjoy their activities. If you're concerned about dehydration, stop into Calvary Urgent Care in Humble, Texas.

Dr. Joseph Goin and his team provide urgent care services for kids and adults, including IV hydration, lab work, and X-rays for dehydration and sports injuries.

Dehydration and young athletes

Summer is quickly approaching, which means the kids are home from school. Swimming and summer sports will be in full swing, but it's okay to worry about your kids' health.

It's easy for kids to forget to drink water over the summer while they're having fun and playing sports. Young athletes are especially prone to dehydration because they don't always consider their well-being.

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than is taken in. Your body loses fluid through sweat, which helps cool the body down in the hot summer. You must replace that fluid with water and electrolytes to keep the body functioning correctly.

The problem with kids is that they don't always replace those fluids when running around and playing sports. They can become dehydrated quickly, which may cause serious consequences.

Tips to stay hydrated over the summer

You want your child to have fun in the warmer months, but they should also be safe. If your child is an athlete who goes hard all day long, some tips to keep them hydrated throughout the summer include:

Drink water before, during, and after activities

Staying hydrated doesn't just mean drinking water during an activity — it begins before your child goes outside. Encourage your child to drink water at least 30 minutes before summer activities and to hydrate every 20 minutes while outside.

Getting them to drink water after exercise or activity is essential to replenish the fluids they've lost throughout the day.

Water is the best option

The human body contains 60% water, so replacing it with water is crucial. Encourage your child to drink mostly water during summer activities, although they can add sports drinks for extra electrolytes during strenuous physical activity.

Add in electrolytes

Fluids aren't the only thing the body loses during physical activity; they also lose essential minerals that keep the body working. Adding in electrolytes helps your child replace crucial minerals like sodium, calcium, and magnesium.

Avoid dehydrating beverages

Not all fluids are equal, especially when it comes to preventing dehydration. Caffeinated drinks aren't the best to avoid dehydration in student-athletes. Stick to water or sports drinks instead of coffee, tea, and other dehydrating beverages.

Encourage high-water-content foods

Drinking water isn't the only way to hydrate your child. You can also encourage them to eat high-water-content foods. Most fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water, replacing sweat and lost fluids.

Warning signs of dehydration

Even the most vigilant parents can deal with dehydrated student-athletes. Knowing the signs and symptoms of dehydration is crucial to seek help when necessary. The following are warning signs of dehydration in kids over the summer:

• Thirst
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Muscle cramps
• Decreased performance

If you're worried that your child is dealing with dehydration, don't hesitate to bring them in for an evaluation. Treating dehydration early on is crucial in preventing further health issues and complications.

Call Calvary Urgent Care in Humble, Texas, today to schedule an appointment for dehydration or visit our urgent care. You can also use the booking feature on our website to request an appointment.