With high temperatures expected in The Swamp, students are at risk of dehydration.
According to a WRUF weather report, temperatures are expected to be in the upper 70s in the morning and close to 90 degrees by noon, just in time for the 12:21 p.m. kickoff. Temperatures will feel near 100 degrees by early afternoon, according to the report. There is also a heavy chance of rain during the game.
Kristen Pughe, a 21-year-old business marketing senior, expects the inside of the stadium to be more than 100 degrees.
“I don’t plan on staying for the whole game because it’s going to be hot, but I want to stay till ‘We are the Boys,’” she said.
Alec Paulivbe, an 18-year-old chemistry freshman, is excited to attend his first game regardless of the weather.
“I’m so psyched,” he said. “I love professional football, and it’s finally good to have a college team to root for.”
GatorWell Health Promotion Services wants students to know how to stay hydrated. Samantha Evans, a health promotion specialist, said people often assume that staying hydrated only means increasing water intake.
“Sports drinks with extra electrolytes, as well as certain foods can be excellent sources of water,” she said. “Watermelon is a great example of this type of food mainly because it is 90 percent water.”
Evans said other fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, as well as milk, yogurt and smoothies can help keep students hydrated.
Pughe recommended buying a cold drink inside the stadium.
“When I get inside, I like to get one of those yummy frozen lemonades,” she said.
GatorWell said it’s important to understand dehydration effects and what warning signs to look for at the game.
“Dehydration results when a person fails to adequately replace fluid lost through sweating, so essentially if you are sweating, you’re losing water,” Evans said. “Signs that may develop if the person doesn’t stop to rehydrate can include dizziness and increased weakness.”
Although coffee can help keep students hydrated, consuming large amounts of caffeine can contribute to dehydration. Evans also warned about another typical gameday beverage.
“Alcohol is a huge dehydrator,” she said.
Paulivbe plans on eating a good meal before the game and arriving 30 minutes before kickoff.
“I’ll wear a hat and bring tons of water just to dump all over myself,” Paulivbe said.
A version of this story ran on page 1 on 8/30/2013 under the headline "Hydrate before the hot game"
UF behavioral and cognitive neuroscience junior Ram Peesapati, 20, right, sips from a cup of water Thursday afternoon on Turlington Plaza. Students are encouraged to stay hydrated throughout gameday weekend.
