Active Utahns reminded to stay hydrated in hot weather


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SALT LAKE CITY — Nationwide over 1,000 people die each year as a result of heatstroke. Utahns are reminded to drink plenty of water during the hot summer months, especially those who are active outside.

Doctors recommend individuals to drink eight glasses of water in a day. However, individuals that are active in hot weather should drink more than the recommended amount to replenish the water they lose through sweating. Drinking plenty of water helps avoid getting dehydration which can lead to some of the more serious problems, like heat stroke.

Teenagers from the Strikers Soccer Club are among those that battle the heat of the day during their soccer practices. Derek Amano trains the boys and makes sure that they take plenty of water breaks.

"They're very committed coming out here and playing in the heat," Amano said.

Studies show that a very active person in the heat can sweat up to two liters in one hour. The fluids must be replaced to keep an individual from getting dehydrated.

Lifeguard Jake Vause said that people often forget to drink water and stay hydrated while they are swimming as well. Vause works at the Layton Surf 'n Swim and said that even his staff need reminders to drink water.

"They just get busy doing their job," Vause said. "Rotating and watching the pool, and they just forget about it every now and then."

The signs of dehydration can include a dry, sticky mouth, sleepiness, decreased urination, headaches and dizziness. Those are symptoms to avoid and be aware of even at the pool.

"When you're in the water, you get heat exhaustion faster because of the reflection of the sun back on you," Vause said. "It actually makes you hotter, and you need more water if you're in the water."

Specialist say that the important thing is to drink water regularly and to stay ahead of feeling thirsty.

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Mike Anderson

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