Susan Yeargin, PhD, ATC

Replace Electrolytes Lost During Sports

Sweating results in the loss of both electrolytes (particularly sodium) and water. Orange juice, moderate salting of food in the diet, and sports drinks help replace electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride lost during sports.

Drinking Fluids Before, During and After Sports Important For Children

Surprising, as it may seem, the most important part of an athlete's diet isn't what they eat, it is what and how much they drink. Drinking fluids before, during and after sports is especially important for preadolescent children because they have special fluid needs compared to adults, or even teenagers. As a parent or coach, you are responsible for taking precautions to prevent heat illnesses in exercising children and making sure they drink enough fluids.

Ten Ways To Prevent Heat Illness

So far in the summer of 2011, at least five athletes and one coach have died of heat stroke. Heat illness, however, is one of the most preventable youth sports injuries. Here are ten ways parents can help keep their child safe in the heat.

Ten Hydration Tips for Youth Athletes

A handy list of ten hydration tips for youth athletes from MomsTeam's Dr. Susan Yeargin.

Child's Sports Hydration Status Result of Several Factors

A child's sports hydration status can be affected, positively or negatively, by beverage type, flavor, container type, accessibility, and parental and coach attitudes about hydration.

Hyponatremia: Dangerous Drop in Sodium Level From Excessive Water Consumption

Hyponatremia is a relatively rare form of heat illness in which sodium levels in the blood become dangerously low due to excessive water consumption. It usually occurs in endurance and ultra-endurance events lasting four hours or longer. While children do not ordinarily participate in these kinds of activities, hyponatremia is so dangerous that it something sports parents should know about.

Three Dehydration Signs: Weight Loss, Dark Urine, Thirst

Weight loss, dark urine, and thirst (WUT)are the three main signs that a young athlete is dehydrated.