By Cindy Milner, RD, CSSD
The warmer days of spring, summer and early fall increase the risk of dehydration for young athletes. Active teens and children often fail to recognize and respond to the signs of dehydration such as; thirst, fatigue, irritability, cramps and headaches. Dehydration, if allowed to progress, can lead to dangerous health consequences, such as heat stroke. However, even relatively mild dehydration, a loss of just 2% of body weight from fluid loses by sweating and evaporative loses during exercise, can contribute to fatigue and impaired sports performance.