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-Elizabeth Chinery, Junior Community Outreach Coordinator

CNN.com

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/07/health/young-athletes-football-overhydration-partner/index.html

Water is essential for basic and complex human functions, however, too much of it can cause deadly outcomes. More athletes die from hyponatremia (over-hydration) than from dehydration. This is because your body requires a certain amount of salt to function properly. Drinking more water than your body can excrete lowers blood salt levels which “can cause all cells in the body to swell. Brain swelling from hyponatremia can cause headaches and vomiting, while muscle cell swelling can trigger whole-body muscle cramping.” A sad truth is that “these symptoms mimic those of dehydration[, meaning] they are often treated by medical staff with more fluids” which worsen the condition.

Discuss (preferably with your physician) the healthy daily water intake for you and your family, and encourage your family to stay alert for over-hydration