It's as basic an axiom for athletes as drinking plenty of water in the first place. But now a team of researchers at the University of Connecticut has come up with a urine color chart designed for real-world outdoor use that accurately measures hydration levels. The Associated Press reports that Douglas Casa, Lawrence Armstrong and their colleagues have developed an eight-color strip that allows athletes to measure their level of risk for dehydration. Dehydrated runners with high concentrations of proteins and minerals matched the dark colors on the chart. Tests on mountain bikers yielded similar results, the AP reports.
Dehydration can be serious, especially in remote areas of the outdoors.
Lack of water can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially a fatal heat stroke. Secretary Norton Praises Outdoor Groups for Generosity Interior Secretary Gale Norton on Tuesday praised the outdoor industry for donating vast amounts of equipment to disaster victims and relief workers following last week's terrorist attack. Mariah Media Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of material from any pages without written permission is strictly prohibited.