As an out-of-state student, I can honestly say that one of the biggest adjustments for me to make on campus was the lovely Alabama heat. Summertime in Alabama can reach sweltering temperatures, and this past weekend served as a true testament to that. Heat advisories were issued as the temperatures reached the upper 90s, at points feeling like the 100s. The forecast for this week includes seven more days of projected 90-degree weather and with so many welcome back activities taking place outside, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to take care of our precious bodies.

To avoid succumbing to the heat and suffering the consequences of dehydration, every student should invest in a water bottle of some sort. In terms of preventing dehydration, water is your best offense. Although water is obviously extremely essential to our well being, spending hours outside walking around campus causes your body to lose other essentials through sweating, such as electrolytes, potassium and sodium. In the event of profuse sweating, try substituting water with Gatorade or coconut water.

With all of this being said, the concept of “too much of a good thing” does come in to play here. Water is great for your health, but drinking water excessively can cause water poisoning. Gatorade also contains enough sugar to rot straight through teeth if consumed in excessive amounts. The best thing to do is to keep a water bottle on you for hydration in moderation and use rehydration and replenishing drinks as needed. This semester is filled with so many activities, and football season is right around the corner. Remember, you have to be alive and conscious to enjoy all our wonderful campus has to offer. So do yourself a favor, invest in a water bottle and stay hydrated. Roll Tide and good luck for the semester.

Erynn Williams is a junior majoring in New College, and her column runs biweekly on Wednesdays.