What it really looks like to be hydrated in the South, from Louisiana athletes

Louisiana embraces its brief cool season, but for most of the year, athletes train in heat that pushes the body hard from the first warm-up to the final whistle. High heat indexes, heavy humidity and packed tournament schedules drain fluid fast, raising the risk of fatigue and preventable injury.

South Louisiana’s climate makes hydration a year-round priority. Even mild fluid loss can affect reaction time, endurance and overall safety.

JD Boudreaux, a physical therapist and director of sports performance at Ochsner Lafayette General, said early attention to hydration can prevent problems long before the first muscle cramp appears.

Hydration in daily life

Hydration plays a role far beyond sports. In adolescents and adults, low fluid intake may contribute to fatigue, dizziness and blood