Jan. 8, 2026 | Did you know that the average adult’s body is made up of about 60 percent water? Water aids in digestion and helps the body get rid of waste. It also helps your joints work by lubricating them, delivers oxygen all over the body and makes saliva, which you need to eat. Water is important to your body, especially in warm weather. It keeps your body from overheating. When you exercise, your muscles generate heat. To keep from burning up, your body needs to get rid of that heat. The main way your body discards heat in warm weather is through sweat. As sweat evaporates, it cools the tissues beneath. Lots of sweating reduces your body’s water level, and this loss of fluid affects normal bodily functions. Dehydration occurs when the body uses or loses more fluid than it takes in. Then the body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to do its usual work. Not replacing lost fluids leads to dehydration.

Jan. 8, 2026 | Dehydration is a condition in which you lose so much body fluid that your body can’t function normally. It occurs when you lose more fluids than you take in. Dehydration may happen on a particularly hot day if you sweat a lot, or if you’re sick with fever, diarrhea or vomiting. It can also occur if don’t drink enough water, or if you’re taking a medication that increases your urine output. When you aren’t properly hydrated, your body’s natural response is thirst. You should respond to thirst right away by drinking fluids, preferably water. You can usually treat mild dehydration by drinking more fluids. But dehydration isn’t always easy to spot. It can be found in the aging parent who forgets to drink water or the fussy baby who can’t tell you they’re thirsty. Make sure to keep your loved ones hydrated. If you or a loved one has a moderate to severe case of dehydration, you may need to go to the hospital to get intravenous fluids.

Jan. 8, 2026 | Being thirsty is not always a good way to determine if your body needs more water. When it comes to infants or young children, urinating less than unusual, a dry mouth or a lack of energy are possible signs of dehydration. With adults, dark-colored urine, dizziness, skin that doesn’t flatten back right away after being pinched or sunken eyes or cheeks may indicate that you are dehydrated. Anyone can become dehydrated if they don’t drink enough water. But infants and children are at a higher risk because they may be unable to communicate that they’re thirsty. This is especially important when they’re sick. So, make sure to monitor the amount of fluid your child takes in. Adults ages 65 and older are also at a higher risk. They don’t carry as much water in their bodies and they can’t tell as easily when they’re thirsty. If you’re a caregiver, especially for someone with memory problems, offer them drinks frequently.

Jan. 8, 2026 | Dehydration can be cause by something as simple as not drinking enough water. Maybe you’re sick or too busy to remember to drink enough. Or there might be no safe water to drink when traveling, hiking or camping. Diarrhea that comes on suddenly and hard can cause a huge loss of water and minerals the body needs, called electrolytes, in a short time. Vomiting with diarrhea causes the loss of even more fluids and minerals. Illnesses that cause a fever can also cause dehydration. In general, the higher the fever, the more severe dehydration might be. But even without a fever, people who have a cold or sore throat are less likely to feel like eating or drinking, which can lead to dehydration. Certain medicines cause more urination, which can lead to dehydration. These include diuretics and some blood pressure medicines. And diabetes that hasn’t been diagnosed or isn’t controlled can also lead to dehydration.

Jan. 8, 2026 | To keep from getting dehydrated, drink fluids and eat foods that hold a lot of water, such as fruits and vegetables. Don’t drink fluids that have caffeine or a lot of sugar, such as sodas and some energy drinks, as they can be dehydrating. Children who are vomiting or have diarrhea need extra water at the first signs of illness. Or they need a drink that replaces water, sugar and electrolytes, called an oral rehydration solution. Don’t wait until dehydration occurs. In general, it’s best to start drinking more fluids the day before hard exercise. Making lots of clear urine is a good sign of being well hydrated. During the activity, drink fluids regularly. Continue to drink water or other fluids when the activity is over. Drinking more water in hot or humid weather helps lower body temperature and replaces water lost through sweating. In cold weather, extra water can help combat moisture loss from dry air. This might be most needed at higher altitudes.