Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

This week on Healthwatch, we've been talking about strategies for surviving the height of summer. Although we're in the middle of summer, the new school year is just around the corner, and youngsters who participate in fall sports at school may be starting practices. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center say hydration is essential for summer sports workouts.

Dr. Luis Palacios, a UT Southwestern sports medicine expert, says hydration is so important because of the risk for heat-related illnesses. Dehydration can also impair performance. You should drink 4 to 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes during a short workout of up to an hour. For longer workouts in hot weather, you may need a sports beverage to replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes lost through sweating.

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^{August 2005}

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