Part of the problem is that is that people often rely on thirst to remind them to drink. This seems like a logical way to remember to drink. When I get thirsty I'll just go take a drink. However, thirst is a delayed response to dehydration. By the time you get thirsty most of the time you are already dehydrated. Additionally, when people get busy or if they are working out the sensation to drink is often reduced.
Korey Stringer is one example of how our internal dehydration gauges often don't alert us that we are becoming dehydrated. Korey Stringer was an All-American football player who played for Ohio State University before being drafted as a first round pick to the Minnaesota Vikings. Korey played for the Vikings for 6 years and earned pro-bowl honors. However, in August 2001 Korey was at pre-season training when he collapsed from heat stroked due to dehydration. Korey was rushed to the hospital but the following morning Korey passed away from heat-stroked related complications.
If you are interested in Korey's story, they have a Korey Stringer institute that you can find out more about him and heat-related illnesses at:
http://ksi.uconn.edu
I found this story particular interesting because as a professional football player Korey was obviously in shape. Yet even people who are in shape, fit, and work out regularly can suffer the effects of dehydration, and at the extreme can even die due to dehydration.
In the wake of Korey's death the NFL and other sports organization has started implementing a plan I think is a great idea no matter if you are a pro-athelete or a desk-jockey. The plan is to have a daily hydration schedule. The hydration schedule is a basic daily plan of how you will stay hydrated throughout the day. Here is one example of a plan:
Whatever your plan is, I encourage you to get a game plan together so you can stay hydrated and avoid the consequences of dehydration.
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