In the simplest terms, dehydration occurs when you lose more water than you take in. Staying hydrated is important to keep all your body functions running smoothly.

On average, adults lose almost 10 cups of water a day simply by doing everyday tasks.  When we sweat, we also lose electrolytes, which are minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium that help maintain the proper balance of fluids in the body.

Key points to reducing your risk of dehydration:

1. Know the signs of dehydration, which include symptoms such as excessive thirst, sleepiness or tiredness, dry mouth. muscle weakness, headache, and dizziness or lightheadedness.
2. If you feel like you may be showing signs of dehydration, don’t ignore it! Immediately take a break and give yourself time to recover. Dehydration can lead to heat stroke or even death.
3. The best defense against dehydration is prevention.  Simply consume lots of fluids and foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables.
4. Determining how much fluid is complex because so much depends on age, physical condition, activity level, location, and body chemistry. The best approach is to make a conscious effort to stay hydrated.
5. The color of your urine is one of the best ways to tell how hydrated you are.  Dark yellow to amber urine means you may have mild to severe dehydration. You can usually tell you have healthy hydration levels if your urine is very light in color.  You may also urinate less than normal when dehydrated.
6. In hot weather, skip coffee or soda, or other caffeinated drinks and make water your beverage of choice. Consider supplementing water with sports drinks or fruits and vegetables to replenish electrolytes.
7. During periods of heavy exertion, stay cool and take frequent water breaks. Adjust your intake to match your activity level and working conditions.  A cup of water every 10 to 15 minutes might be necessary.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, and Trillium Technical. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2017 and 2018 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.