Of all the nutritional concerns athletes have, the most critical is staying hydrated.

Many hours on the greens as a golfing professional have made Russ Crutchfield realize just how important it is for people to stay hydrated during any sporting activity. "People don't realize that you're constantly losing fluids when you're just even sitting in the golf cart, or sitting beside the court."

Family Physician Alan Tannenbaum says that the lack of sufficient fluids can lead to a variety of problems: including feeling clumsy, dizzy and disoriented. "You know something's going wrong right there. Your legs can get very weak. And certainly nausea and vomiting is the hallmark right before you might pass out."

Dr. Tannenbaum also says to remember that the solution is simple. "If your going to go out and do a sport, whether it's tennis or football or basketball outside, you need to drink plenty of fluids before you start and during the game as you start to sweat, continue drinking fluids."

Since water alone may not replenish some of the body's important elements that are lost during exercise, Russ follows his doctor's recommendations and always has sports drinks available. "It's good to replenish some of those body fluids with a Gatorade or Powerade of some sort that will put some potassium, put some electrolytes back in your system and get you back on track."

Preventing dehydration is always easier than treating it, so don't wait until you feel thirsty, just fill up on plenty of fluids.

Proper fluid replacement will not only keep you healthy, but it will also help you to improve your performance.