Under normal conditions, we all lose body water daily through sweat, tears, urine and stool. In a healthy person, this water is replaced by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. When a person becomes so sick with fever, diarrhea, or vomiting or if an individual is overexposed to the sun, dehydration occurs.

PREVENTION
Drink plenty of fluids, especially when playing in the sun.
Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing.
Avoid outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.

SIGNS
The following are the most common symptoms of dehydration, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: thirst, less-frequent urination, dry skin, fatigue, light-headedness, dizzines, confusion, dry mouth and mucous membranes, increased heart rate and breathing.
In children, additional symptoms may include: dry mouth and tongue, no tears when crying, no wet diapers for more than 3 hours, sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks, high fever, listlessness, irritability, skin that does not flatten when pinched and released.

FIRST AID
Drink a small amount of fluid every 30 to 60 minutes. Large amount may upset your stomach.
Do not use liquids such as apple juice, soft drinks, tea, or sport drinks. They have the wrong amounts of water, salts, and sugar.
Keep drinking liquids until your urin is pale yellow.

SEEK CARE IF:
You are having trouble keeping liquids down.
You develop a high temperature.
You do not feel better after drinking liquids for several hours.

CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IF:
You pass very little urine or none at all after a few hours of treatment.
You feel dizzy or faint.
You have a fast heartbeat.
You skin looks wrinkled or your mouth feels very dry.