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The Importance of Athlete Hydration




The athletes of Watauga High School need to be hydrated in order to perform well. Not hydrating enough can have effects that hinder the athletes performance while they are playing. The question is, are high school athletes drinking enough water?


“I’m not sure,” said Dr. Chris McCracken, specialist of Family medicine and Pediatrics with Appalachian Regional Medicine. “Most athletes work out and function fine without any signs of dehydration, so it’s reasonable to assume that they are drinking enough water. Our athletes probably need to be careful to drink more when going off the mountain to compete where it’s hotter or more humid.”


Dr. McCracken says that lack of hydration when playing sports can cause “muscle cramps, lightheadedness, headaches, easy fatigability, and poor athletic performance would be early symptoms.”


Athletes need to watch for more serious signs of health issues while participating in sports.


“Severe dehydration if untreated can cause kidney damage, lack of blood flow to vital organs, and severe neurological damage (coma and seizures) if there are also electrolyte deficiencies,” warned McCracken.


To combat dehydration, Dr. McCracken says, “36 oz to 1 gallon is a reasonable range for adequate hydration.”


However, Dr. McCracken says that the amount of water an athlete needs to drink varies depending on their location and weather.


“Water consumption should depend on how much you sweat,” McCracken said. “Athletes doing two a day workouts in the heat need much more water in once a day workouts in an air conditioned gym.”


High school athletes need to make sure they drink enough water so they can perform best for their team. So high school athletes, make sure you raise a glass (a 36 oz one) to keep yourself hydrated.




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