By Ashley Pereyra
Reporter
With the temperatures rising, it’s important to remember to hydrate. Today’s high is set to be 88 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Dehydration is a real and sometimes fatal problem in hot weather. It can be caused through fluid loss by vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination or perspiration, and or inadequate intake of fluids, according Texas Department of State Health Services.
Symptoms can include thirst, dry mouth, rapid heart rate, decreased urine output, lethargy and confusion.
Dr. Suzy Weems, family and consumer sciences professor, said treatment of dehydration is very circumstantial and all on independent case-by-case basis. For instance, a lack of sweat could indicate severe dehydration, which would require medical attention, according to Mayo Clinic website.
Weems said students should maintain awareness of their fluid intake throughout the day in order to prevent dehydration.
“You should drink before you are thirsty,” Weems said. “So that you know you are keeping your fluid needs up.”
Certain types of beverages are also more beneficial to hydration efforts. These include but are not limited to water, milk, fruit juices and teas.
Weems said that some drinks, such as alcohol, a diuretic, and soda do not generally aid hydration.
Diuretics promote the production of urine. This includes the caffeine in soda, but, Weems said that they are not punitive enough to affect hydration status.
While the high temperature on Thursday is predicted to be 68 degrees, Diadeloso staff is prepared for student hydration needs, Pauline Minnaar, chairman of Diadeloso, said. She said students would have a wide variety of hydration options.
Students will receive free beverages and food at the noon meal. Drinks will also be on sale from the food trailers during the day. For participants of the 5K fun run, water stations will be provided, Minnaar said.
