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Dehydration can be defined as the excessive loss of water from the body Dehydration can occur when your body does not have enough water for its normal functions; this can be caused by excessive sweating, not drinking enough water, vomiting or diarrhea. Children and Infants are more likely to become dehydrated because they have less body weight and a higher turnover of water and electrolytes. The elderly are also more prone to becoming dehydrated. Our bodies need a certain amount of water on a daily basis; this is about 32 ounces a day. If you are more active, then it is important to increase your fluid intake. Dehydration is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on how much of the body's fluid is lost or not replenished. When severe, dehydration is a life-threatening emergency. You can usually reverse mild to moderate dehydration by increasing your intake of fluids, but severe cases need immediate medical treatment. Prevention The best and safest way to prevent dehydration is to not become dehydrated in the first place. You can do that by monitoring your fluid loss during hot weather, illness or exercise, and drinking enough liquids to replace what you lose. Waiting until you feel thirsty is not a good way to ensure your drinking enough fluid, keep your body hydrated before you feel thirsty It is best to start hydrating yourself before you begin any physical activity. Therfore, approximatley 2 hours before you exercise, you should drink 1-2 cups of water. If you are producing a lot of clear amber urine, then that is a good sign that you are well hydrated. **All text cited from: (http://www.mayoclinic.com) (http://firstaid.webmd.com/dehydration_in_adults_treatment_firstaid.htm)