Doctors warn of dehydration as summer temperatures continue rising

After months of staying inside, the urge to enjoy the outdoors is higher than ever for many. More time outside means an increased risk of dehydration especially in the summer months. 

Temperatures rising to the triple digits creates a dangerous environment for everyone, although dehydration affects children even more so, says Dr. Sarah Anne Schumann, Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealth Group North Texas and Oklahoma. 

Hydration is particularly important for children as they require more water than adults because their internal cooling system isn’t fully developed yet. The surface area of a child is smaller and sweat glands aren’t fully developed, which makes it much harder for the body to cool itself.