by Jacqueline Bodnar

With warmer weather on the way, its a good time to give dehydration some thought. As the temperature heats up, children will likely be engaging in more physical activity. This creates an increased risk of dehydration, when the body has lost too much water and salt. Getting enough to drink is important for a childs physical and mental health.

Getting fluids

On days when children will be playing sports its a good idea to make sure they drink fluid prior to starting the activity and continue drinking during and after. To avoid the hottest part of the day, activities should be scheduled during the morning or late afternoon if possible.

The majority of fluids children need each day should be in the form of plain water, while a limited amount can come from juices or sports drinks. Drinks that contain caffeine or sugar should be avoided because they can deplete the body of water. You can teach your child water-drinking habits by making it a family affair, offering it with meals and leading by example. Avoid waiting until your child feels thirsty to give them fluids. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration because by the time you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated.

Signs and symptoms

There are some general signs of dehydration but they usually arent recognizable until the child is five to 10 percent dehydrated. Some of the symptoms your child may be showing if he is dehydrated include:

• an excessive thirst
• diminished urine output
• passing only a small amount of urine thats a dark yellow color
• dry mouth and lips
• headache, fatigue or dizziness
• flushed skin color
• eyes that appear to be sunken
• fatigue, lethargy and irritability

The human body needs an adequate amount of water to prevent problems and increase mental and physical endurance. Fluids also help to prevent muscle cramps and keep the digestive system working properly.

Suspecting dehydration

If you suspect your child may be dehydrated Dr. Wilson suggests that you begin oral rehydration with water or a sports drink such as Gatorade® or POWERAde®. If possible, you also should move the child to a cooler environment. If there are severe symptoms or you have any questions, you should consult your family physician or pediatrician.

"There is a need to increase the overall fluid intake during summer months when the temperature is warmer," explains Dr. Wilson. "You loose fluid more rapidly through your skin when you perspire and through your respiratory tract when breathing."

Jacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer living in Las Vegas with her husband and daughter.