USC health expert warns of dehydration danger
A University of the Sunshine Coast public health expert has urged Sunshine Coast residents to ensure they drink plenty of water during summer, particularly when they are exercising.
Professor John Lowe, the Head of School of Health and Sport Sciences at USC, said summer was a great time for people to get outdoors and exercise.
However, he said higher temperatures and humidity created a much greater risk of dehydration which could unnecessarily ruin the fun.
“We want people to be active and to exercise but we also want them to drink more water. And, if they are exercising a lot, to augment that with sports drinks and good nutrition,” he said.
“The key factor is that if you’re feeling thirsty, you are actually already in a state of dehydration. So we should be drinking water to avoid getting thirsty.
“If you do feel thirsty, use water and sports drinks, but not beer. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’re replenishing your fluids just because you’re drinking lots of beer.”
Professor Lowe said some of the most popular sporting activities on the Sunshine Coast made dehydration appear less obvious.
“Swimmers often don’t realise how much sweat they’re losing and they need to make sure they’re drinking enough water,” he said.
“And all those surf lifesaving nippers on the beaches each Sunday, their parents need to make sure they have regular drinks of water.
“Those who do really active exercise need to supplement their fluid intake with sports drinks to keep their electrolyte balance and also make sure they get enough carbohydrates to fuel their activity.”
University of the Sunshine Coast Sports Dietitian Dr Fiona Pelly said men should aim for 2.6 litres and women 2.1 litres of fluid each day for an adequate intake. This includes water, juice, milk, sports drinks, tea, coffee, etcetera.
“They should drink even more during hot weather and when they are involved in high levels of physical activity,” she said.
“For every hour of strenuous exercise, an extra 500-800ml of fluid is needed to prevent dehydration. Drink at a rate that replaces most of your sweat losses but do not drink more than you sweat.”
The University of the Sunshine Coast is introducing plenty of new degrees in 2008, including a Bachelor of Nutrition and a Bachelor of Exercise Science. For more details, go to www.usc.edu.au.