As temperatures climb during the summer months, drinking water and staying hydrated is essential. We caught up with Autumn Lucas, director of Student Health Services at Middle Georgia State University, to talk about why drinking water matters more than ever this time of year, how to spot signs of dehydration, and simple ways to stay hydrated every day.
"The biggest misconception is waiting to feel thirsty as a cue to hydrate – this signal often follows the start of dehydration. Your thirst may be quenched before hydration is restored, so it’s hard to play catch up. A much safer plan is to drink throughout the day at regular intervals, with extra fluid replacement during hot, humid days – especially with outdoor activities, sports, and exercise!"