LAKE CHARLES, LA: We're currently dealing with high temperatures here in SWLA, so we need to stay hydrated when working or playing outside.

Thermometer Sun 40 Degres. Hot summer day. High Summer temperatures
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With that in mind, there are some misconceptions about dehydration that need to be addressed to keep you safe on these crazy hot SWLA days.

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Five Things You Should Know About Dehydration:

  1. Besides dehydration's most apparent symptoms of thirst, other common symptoms are headaches, dark urine, muscle cramps, and dry skin.
  2. Make sure you hydrate, even days before, when you know you're going to be outside for an extended period of time on a hot day.  Because dehydration doesn't necessarily occur at the moment you're in the face-melting SWLA heat, it could happen hours or days later.
  3. It doesn't need to be hot outside. This SWLA humidity also plays a role. When it's muggy outside you're going to sweat, even if temperatures aren't that high.
  4. Everyone's body is different, with that said, it's a best practice to drink 8 or more glasses of water a day. Factors like your weight, how active you are, and how much coffee and alcohol you drink all play a role in dehydration.
  5. You need a mix of water and electrolytes to stay hydrated, which you can get from sports thirst quencher drinks, coconut water, dairy, or even salt in your food.

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