(NewsUSA) - Ask an artificial intelligence platform for the best-known restaurants in Paris or the largest technology companies in America, and chances are it will have plenty to say.

Ask it about the family-owned manufacturer 10 miles away, a respected local accountant, a nonprofit doing remarkable work in your community or the business that has served your town for three generations, and the answer may be very different.

Sometimes artificial intelligence simply doesn't know.

That raises an increasingly important question as millions of Americans begin using AI to decide what to buy, where to go and whom to trust:

Will local businesses and communities be adequately represented in the AI age?

AI Has a Local Information Problem

Artificial intelligence systems don't experience communities the way people do.

They don't drive down Main Street. They don't attend the Rotary Club luncheon, watch the high school football game or hear a neighbor recommend a local contractor.

They depend heavily on information that is available to them digitally.

And that can create an imbalance.

Large national companies generate enormous amounts of online information. They are covered by national media, discussed on thousands of websites and mentioned constantly across the internet.

A highly respected local business may have a website, a Facebook page and a handful of reviews.

That difference could become increasingly important.

The New Word of Mouth

For decades, local businesses grew largely through reputation and word of mouth.

Those recommendations aren't going away. But consumers now have another place to ask for advice.

Artificial intelligence.

Someone moving to a new community might ask an AI assistant:

“Who are the most respected financial advisers near me?”

A homeowner might ask:

“What local companies can replace my roof?”

A parent could ask:

“What organizations in my area provide tutoring for teenagers?”

And a business owner might ask:

“Who are the leading accountants for small businesses in this region?”

The answers AI provides depend, in part, on the information available for it to discover and understand.

Local News May Become More Important, Not Less

That creates an interesting new role for local journalism.

Local newspapers have always documented the life of their communities: new businesses, civic organizations, local experts, elections, charitable activities, economic development and the people doing noteworthy things.

Those stories aren't simply today's news.

They also become part of a community's digital history.

“Local newspapers document things that frequently aren't documented anywhere else,” said Rick Smith, founder and CEO of News USA, which has distributed editorial content to news organizations across the country for nearly four decades.

“As people increasingly ask AI systems questions rather than simply searching Google, credible local information may become even more valuable. If information about a community doesn't exist online, an AI system has very little to work with.”

Being Good Isn't the Same as Being Discoverable

Consider two local businesses.

One has operated successfully for 25 years, supports community organizations and has hundreds of loyal customers—but has generated very little independent information online.

The other is relatively new but has been interviewed by local media, publishes useful information about its industry and has developed a substantial digital presence.

A longtime resident may know immediately which business has the stronger reputation.

An AI system doesn't have that life experience.

It has information.

That doesn't mean businesses should manufacture publicity simply to influence artificial intelligence. Nor does appearing in an article guarantee that ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity or another AI system will mention or recommend a company.

It does suggest that accurate, credible information about local organizations needs to exist in places where people—and potentially machines—can find it.

A New Question for Small Businesses

For years, business owners were told to ask:

“Can people find us on Google?”

Now there may be a second question:

“What happens when people ask AI about us?”

News USA has begun examining that question through what it calls AI Authority—looking at how companies appear across major AI platforms, how their competitors appear and what credible information about the company exists online.

The answers can sometimes be surprising.

A company may have a beautiful website and excellent search-engine rankings but barely appear when consumers ask AI systems questions about its industry.

Another company may repeatedly appear because there is a larger body of independent information supporting its expertise and reputation.

Put Your Town to the Test

There's a remarkably simple experiment anyone can conduct.

Open your favorite AI platform and ask it five questions about your community:

What businesses is this town known for?

Who are some respected local entrepreneurs?

What are the best locally owned businesses?

What organizations are making a difference here?

What should someone moving here know about the community?

Then look at what's missing.

Long-established businesses may be absent. Important nonprofit organizations may not appear. Community leaders everyone in town knows may be invisible.

There may even be outdated or incorrect information.

That gap between what a community actually knows about itself and what artificial intelligence knows about it could become one of the more interesting challenges of the AI era.

America's Communities Need a Digital Record

Artificial intelligence is often discussed as though its future will be determined entirely in Silicon Valley.

But its usefulness will also depend upon the quality of information coming from thousands of communities across America.

That's where local journalism has something technology cannot easily manufacture: firsthand knowledge of a community.

The restaurant opening downtown. The third-generation manufacturer adding 40 jobs. The teacher receiving a statewide award. The entrepreneur building an unusual company. The nonprofit quietly helping hundreds of families.

Individually, they are local stories.

Collectively, they are the record of a community.

And in an era when machines increasingly help people discover information, preserving that record may matter more than anyone expected.

To learn more about how organizations can evaluate what leading AI platforms know about them, visit NewsUSA.ai.

(NewsUSA) - In many communities, the conversations surrounding storm preparedness have shifted from “if” the power will go out to “when,” “how often” and “for how long.” In the past decade alone, the United States has experienced twice as many weather-related outages as it did in the early 2000s because of severe storms and the country’s aging, failing electrical grid. As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, it is increasingly important for homeowners to have the option of self-sufficiency with a backup power plan in the event of severe weather.

For 2026, forecasters are predicting a relatively active Atlantic hurricane season as Colorado State University anticipates 13 named storms with six expected to become hurricanes. Two hurricanes are expected to reach major hurricane strength of a Category 3 or higher storm, which can result in significant loss of life and damage to property.

During the 2024 season, Hurricanes Milton and Helene caused roughly 9.5 million power outages and over $113 billion in damages. In 2025, though no hurricanes made landfall in the U.S., tropical storms severely impacted homeowners, especially in the Carolinas and along the East Coast.

“Backup power is something people think about in the middle of an outage, but by then, it’s too late,” said Kyle Raabe, President of Home Power Generation at Generac. “You don’t build a plan in the dark. The homeowners who are prepared are the ones who stay safe, comfortable and in control when the grid goes down.”

Experiencing an outage isn’t just a minor inconvenience - it can lead to a host of effects that negatively impact you and your loved ones.  Refrigerators full of food and important medicines could go bad. A home without climate control can quickly reach warm temperatures – especially in the hottest summer months. A lack of an active sump pump could leave basements vulnerable to flooding. For those with health or mobility needs, a loss of power can disrupt critical medical devices, home accessibility equipment and even limit the ability to safely move in or out of the home.

Selecting the Right Source of Backup Power

Generac’s power outage experts want you to know which types of backup power will be a fit for any outage situation you may encounter.

1. Portable Power Stations provide clean, quiet, emission-free power with no fumes or fuel. Simply recharging the unit when power returns keeps the generator prepped and ready for the next outage. They are best used to power smaller, specific devices, such as a kitchen appliance, laptop or phone.

2. Portable Generators come in a variety of options. Smaller units can be paralleled for additional power, and larger units can pair with a manual transfer switch to provide whole home backup. These types of generators must be fueled every 6-12 hours with gasoline or liquid propane. They are also great for additional non-emergency uses such as camping, tailgating and power job sites.

3. Whole Home Generators can provide power to an entire home and automatically kick in when utility power is lost whether you’re home or away. Generac models are offered in 10kW up to 28kW options to fit your home’s specific needs. If you have a Generac, even when you’re not at home you can monitor the generator's performance with Mobile Link from anywhere. No refueling is necessary if you attach the generator to a natural gas line or propane tank.

4. Solar + Storage units charge when solar power is available, and kick in automatically when an outage occurs. This type of system can power your whole home for a shorter duration or select circuits for longer. In addition to outage mitigation, a Solar + Storage unit captures solar and times the grid to use stored power when prices spike to help you reduce your energy costs.

Generac provides a free yearly guide on how you can keep yourself, your home and your family safe during hurricane season. If you’d like to read more on how to be prepared, please visit the Hurricane Preparedness Guide.

(NewsUSA) - While spring break may be a welcome week off of school for children, for many families it’s a not-so-gentle reminder that summer is just around the corner and in most areas that means parents need to sort out activities and care for their children for multiple weeks, if not months. Before panicking about which camps still have spots open or worrying about how to balance short camp hours with long work days, families can explore all-inclusive summer day camps in their area, like the ones provided by Crème Schools.

All-inclusive, center-based summer camps offer children and families fun summer activities, such as field trips, water activities and sports without the challenge of coordinating multiple camps throughout the summer. Since these camps take place at a child care center, there’s no need for families to ferry children from here to there so they can attend specialty camps: Everything takes place at the same location.

What to look for when comparing summer camp options:

• What’s included in the tuition? At Crème Camp, meals and snacks are included in tuition, as are weekly field trips. This makes summer just that much easier and more enjoyable for children and parents alike.
• Program variety: Look for camps like Crème Camp that have a dedicated camp curriculum as well as weekly camp themes or specialty classes that change regularly throughout the summer, offering children a variety of opportunities for creative exploration and activities that build on the skills they learned during the school year. This will keep students engaged in learning throughout the summer, without feeling like they’re stuck in a classroom.
• Opportunities for outdoor play: Weather permitting, it’s important for children to have daily outdoor playtime. Be sure the summer camps you’re considering have dedicated time throughout the day for children to engage in outdoor activities like water play and group games on sports courts and fields to keep their bodies moving.
• A schedule and logistics that fit your family’s needs: Most center-based summer camps like Crème Camp will have programs for children as young as age four and as old as age 12. That’s in addition to year-round programs for infants-prekindergarten, which means families with multiple children could ditch the dreaded multiple drop-off situation and breeze through summer with a single drop-off and pick-up site for both little ones and older siblings.

Families interested in Crème School’s all-inclusive summer day camp programs can learn more and register their children online.

(NewsUSA) - OLD WESTBURY, NY - 30 de Marzo de 2026 (NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE) - Abril es el Mes de la Aceptación del Autismo, y los expertos estiman ahora que uno de cada 31 niños en Estados Unidos tiene un trastorno del espectro autista.

Para ayudar a los padres a comprender mejor cómo apoyar a los niños dentro del espectro, Alexander Lopez, J.D., OT/L, profesor asociado de terapia ocupacional en el New York Institute of Technology, comparte orientación práctica y consejos—incluido cómo el ejercicio puede mejorar la función motora (coordinación muscular) y el rendimiento cognitivo.

Los niños con necesidades especiales suelen tener pocas oportunidades de hacer ejercicio y desarrollar las habilidades fundamentales necesarias para participar en actividades convencionales. Por ejemplo, aprender a balancear un bate de béisbol puede mejorar la coordinación, el equilibrio, la atención y la planificación. Estas habilidades esenciales pueden transferirse luego a la mayoría de las actividades diarias.

Lopez, terapeuta ocupacional licenciado, ha desarrollado programas deportivos específicos diseñados para ayudar al cerebro del niño a procesar la información sensorial, favoreciendo cambios estructurales y funcionales en el cerebro.

“El cerebro y el cuerpo son excepcionalmente maleables, y las intervenciones de terapia ocupacional que utilizan deportes y ejercicio pueden mejorar el rendimiento cerebral y ayudar a los niños a desarrollar estrategias para minimizar o controlar los efectos de la información sensorial desagradable o confusa”, explica Lopez, quien también es fundador del gimnasio sin fines de lucro Inclusive Sports and Fitness, Inc., que recientemente abrió una sede en el campus de New York Tech en Old Westbury, Nueva York.

Además de mejorar sus habilidades físicas, los niños que participan en el programa basado en ejercicio de Lopez desarrollan amistades duraderas y confianza en sí mismos, beneficios que se reflejan en casi todos los aspectos de sus vidas. Las familias reportan mejores resultados en el hogar y en la escuela, incluidos avances emocionales, conductuales y académicos. Por supuesto, las lecciones y experiencias que los niños adquieren fuera del gimnasio también son importantes. Lopez invita a los padres a presentar un frente unido, lo que incluye ofrecer mensajes coherentes, hacer cumplir reglas y límites, y animar a sus hijos a alcanzar su máximo potencial individual.

“A pesar de enfrentar ciertos desafíos del desarrollo, un niño con autismo no está definido únicamente por su condición”, explica Lopez. “Ese niño sigue siendo una persona completa, con sus propias habilidades, potencial y fortalezas. Con recursos de apoyo, una crianza afectuosa y terapias específicas, muchos niños dentro del espectro autista desarrollan mayor independencia, confianza y una participación significativa en la vida cotidiana. Pero la base de ese éxito comienza en casa. Cuando los padres brindan estructura constante y utilizan el refuerzo positivo, crean un entorno donde su hijo puede desarrollar habilidades, sentirse exitoso y prosperar.”

Lopez también enfatiza la importancia de establecer expectativas, mantener rutinas diarias desde edades tempranas, usar horarios estructurados y listas visuales para actividades como cepillarse los dientes o vestirse, lo que puede ayudar a los niños a volverse más autosuficientes con el tiempo. Al aplicar las mismas estrategias fundamentales —consistencia, estructura y refuerzo positivo— los padres pueden fomentar la autonomía, el desarrollo de habilidades y un sentido de logro que crece junto con el niño.

Lopez es uno de los muchos profesores de New York Tech que aportan su experiencia para ayudar a enfrentar retos del mundo real. Visite nyit.edu para obtener más información.

Título de la imagen: Alexander López (izquierda), terapeuta ocupacional licenciado en el Instituto de Tecnología de Nueva York, ha desarrollado programas deportivos diseñados para ayudar a los niños con autismo.

(NewsUSA) - April is Autism Acceptance Month, and experts now estimate that one in 31 children in the United States has autism spectrum disorder. 

To help parents better understand how to support children on the spectrum, Alexander Lopez, J.D., OT/L, associate professor of occupational therapy at New York Institute of Technology, shares practical guidance and tips—including how exercise can improve motor function (muscle coordination) and cognitive performance.

Children with special needs often have few opportunities to exercise and develop the foundational skills needed for mainstream activities. For example, learning how to swing a baseball bat can advance coordination, balance, attention, and planning. These essential skills can then be transferred to most daily activities.

Lopez, a licensed occupational therapist, has developed targeted athletic programs designed to enable a child’s brain to process sensory information, supporting structural and functional brain changes.

“The brain and body are exceptionally malleable, and occupational therapy interventions that use sports and exercise can improve brain performance and help children develop strategies to minimize or control the effects of unpleasant or confusing sensory information,” says Lopez, who is also the founder of the nonprofit gym Inclusive Sports and Fitness, Inc., which recently opened a location on New York Tech’s Old Westbury, N.Y., campus.

In addition to increased physical abilities, children in Lopez’s exercise-based program gain lasting friendships and confidence, benefits that spill over into nearly all aspects of their lives. Families report improved outcomes at home and school, including enhanced emotional, behavioral, and academic performance. Of course, the lessons and experiences children gain outside the gym are also important. Lopez urges parents to present a united front, including providing their child with consistent messages, enforcing rules and boundaries, and encouraging their child to reach their full, individual potential.  

“Despite having certain developmental challenges, a child with autism is not solely defined by their condition,” Lopez explains. “That child is still a whole person with their own abilities, potential, and strengths. With supportive resources, nurturing parenting, and targeted therapies, many children on the autism spectrum develop greater independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in everyday life. But the foundation for this success begins at home. When parents provide consistent structure and use positive reinforcement, they create an environment where their child can build skills, feel successful, and thrive.” 

Lopez also emphasizes the importance of setting expectations, sticking to daily routines as early as possible, structured schedules, and visual checklists for activities like tooth brushing and getting dressed, which can help children become more self-reliant over time. By using the same foundational strategies with consistency, structure, and positive reinforcement, parents can help foster self-reliance, skill development, and a sense of accomplishment that grows with the child. 

Lopez is one of many New York Tech faculty members lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

Image caption:  Alexander Lopez (left), a licensed occupational therapist at New York Institute of Technology, has developed athletic programs designed to help children with autism.

(NewsUSA) - Between deciding where to apply, visiting campuses, and completing financial aid forms, October can feel like crunch time for college-bound students, with more than half ranking college applications as their most stressful academic experience.

“Families often tell us that while the college search process is exciting, it’s also overwhelming. However, with the right mindset and strategy, it becomes easier, and you can enjoy it,” said Marcelle Hicks, dean of admissions and financial aid at New York Institute of Technology.

Whether you’re a high school senior or transferring from another university, Hicks shares these tips for navigating the college application process.

Plan and Build Your List

List your most important criteria and research which colleges and universities check those boxes. This can be as simple as choosing a location and exploring which institutions offer your anticipated academic major. Remember, your interests could change, so explore universities with additional majors to consider. Similarly, students undecided on a major should seek universities with a wide array of programs. Other considerations include affordability, preference for large lecture halls or intimate settings, campus activities, and whether the university’s values align with yours. Your plan may change along the way, and that’s okay.

Visit and Connect

This is the most exciting step! Campuses come to life, and you can envision what it’s like going to class or getting pizza in the dining hall. Today, there are more options than ever to connect with universities, which include both in-person and virtual options. At New York Tech, we offer campus tours, information sessions, and one-on-one appointments to help students make the most of their time with us. These interactions show your demonstrated interest in schools, so do your research and come prepared with questions.  

Understand Application Requirements

Universities have different requirements and deadlines, so be sure to consult with admissions officers and review websites. While some institutions accept the Common App, allowing students to apply to multiple universities through one platform, others have separate applications. Plan to submit transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements; test scores and other materials also vary. Many universities, including ours, offer test-optional admissions, meaning you can choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores; however, strong scores could boost scholarship chances. While AI is useful for brainstorming, your essay should tell your story in your own words. Follow these essay prompts and take time to plan, edit, and review before submitting.

Enjoy the Journey!

Throughout the process, you’re in the driver’s seat. Attending college is a major step toward greater independence, allowing you to explore potential career paths and gain opportunities that are building blocks to your future. Don’t let the application process stop you from enjoying all that college has to offer.

Hicks is one of many New York Tech experts tackling real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Cybercriminals send 3.4 billion phishing emails daily, aiming to steal sensitive information from unassuming victims. Cyberattacks like these are on the rise, posing increased long-term risk to consumers’ data, reputation, credit, and financial standing.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Michael Nizich, Ph.D., a New York Institute of Technology professor and cybersecurity expert, shares tips to help protect your information and identity.

Keep passwords strong. “Never reuse passwords,” Nizich emphasized. Also, avoid information that could be easily guessed, including your name, relatives' names, pet names, or birth dates. Instead, use a combination of letters (upper and lower), numbers, and special characters. One idea he suggests: write a sentence and use the first letter of each word and punctuation. For example, the phrase “This password is very hard to guess!” becomes “Tpivh2g!”

Use password managers. Tools like the iPhone Passwords app and Samsung Pass for Android devices generate and automatically store complex, unique passwords on your device. “Some password managers also notify you if your account is potentially compromised. Of course, change your password immediately if that happens,” says Nizich.

Lock your credit. Major credit monitoring agencies, such as Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, offer online tools for locking your credit. This allows you to access active credit lines but prevents hackers from opening credit cards or loans in your name. When you need to allow legitimate creditors access, you can temporarily unlock it—just be sure to lock it again when the transaction is complete.

Enable multifactor authentication (MFA). When you sign in, you will receive a second passcode—typically via text, call, or email—to verify your identity. This added protection is especially important for banking and financial accounts, as well as email. “If hackers access your email, they can reset passwords and break into other online accounts, but MFA helps keep unauthorized users out of your inbox,” Nizich says. “Always take advantage of MFA solutions offered by your organization or financial institutions, even if they are optional.”

Steer clear of scams. Scammers may claim to be from an organization you know and demand immediate payment in a hard-to-trace manner—like gift cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or cash—to resolve an urgent “account issue.” Be wary of communication you did not initiate, Nizich urges. “With artificial intelligence, hackers can now even disguise their voice to sound like a friend or family member. Remain vigilant and extra cautious of unexpected communication,” he says.

Shift your attitude. While security measures like MFA and changing your password regularly might be time-consuming, they’re minor inconveniences compared to having your data stolen, Nizich emphasizes. These steps can help protect you from being a cybercrime victim.  

Nizich is one of many New York Tech faculty members lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Whether for work, fun, or both, most people spend long periods sitting or slouching in front of a screen. Excessive sitting can lead to poor posture, which in turn increases the risk of a range of problems including muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, fatigue, altered digestion and respiration, and even nerve tissue compression, according to Mark Gugliotti, D.P.T., an associate professor of physical therapy at New York Institute of Technology.

“Good posture is important because it establishes a musculoskeletal balance within the body. This balance enables the body to move more fluidly and functionally while conserving energy and avoiding undue stress,” said Gugliotti, a practicing physical therapist.

“Many of our general day-to-day aches and pains, especially if you're working at a desk or workstation regularly, come from those prolonged habitual positions of posturing,” Gugliotti explained. For example, tension, tightness, or the position of a laptop or other device can promote headaches, neck pain, and shoulder rounding. “There is always the possibility of nerve tissue compression through the shoulders, or at the wrist and hands if you're not careful. Slouching into the chair could also put undue stress and strain on the lower back,” he added.

Gugliotti advises changing positions frequently during the day and taking breaks to get up from your workstation and walk around. “One recommendation is to set a timer to do this every 30 minutes,” he said.

Also, choose your furniture wisely. A properly fitting chair that adjusts to you and fully supports your spine can make the difference between comfort and back pain. Gugliotti recommends looking for a chair with adjustable height and the ability to recline.

Other tips for better workstation posture include keeping arms, hips, and knees positioned at a 90-degree angle while seated, and positioning the laptop or monitor directly in front of you on a sturdy surface. Ideally, “The screen should be an arm’s length away with a preferred height that aligns your eyes with the upper third of the screen. At home, this could easily be achieved with a few books placed under the monitor,” said Gugliotti. An ergonomic mouse or a small footrest under your desk are other small aids that can improve posture and reduce pain, he added. 

Gugliotti also noted that frequent smartphone use can lead to “tech neck,” when additional stress is placed on the neck because users are frequently bending down to view the screen.

“Having your phone more towards the front of your face would be the best scenario,” he advised.

Gugliotti is one of many New York Tech faculty lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Counting steps as a measure of exercise is misleading, and not a useful indicator of daily exercise goals, according to exercise physiologist Alexander Rothstein, Ed.D.

“Hitting 10,000 steps a day helps to prevent long sedentary periods, which are associated with health risks like blood clots and heart disease, but society tends to overestimate the fitness benefits of taking 10,000 steps,” said Rothstein, an assistant professor of exercise science at New York Institute of Technology.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio exercise five days per week, or 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardiorespiratory exercise three times per week for most adults, Rothstein said. A combination of the two (moderate and vigorous) at least three to four days a week would also meet these guidelines.

However, nearly half (46%) of American adults do not meet guidelines for aerobic or muscle-strengthening activities, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On its own, a daily step count goal has a minimal impact on physical fitness. Although everyday walking qualifies as physical activity, it typically lacks the intensity needed to significantly improve cardiovascular or muscular fitness, Rothstein said. “During routine walking, we’re usually not reaching an intensity that sufficiently elevates heart rate or oxygen demand to drive meaningful physiological adaptations,” he explained.

For a more accurate measurement of exercise intensity, Rothstein advises checking your heart rate rather than your step count. “Heart rate is a better measurement tool. The time spent in certain heart rate zones can be counted towards the recommended exercise guidelines. In general, the higher your heart rate, the higher the exercise intensity,” he said.

You can raise the intensity and elevate your heart rate while walking by increasing your pace (power walk) or adding some hills, which requires you to work against gravity to propel yourself upward, Rothstein noted. “These factors challenge the body much more than walking at a slower pace or on a flat surface. Walking on an incline activates muscles in the calves, glutes, and hamstrings, especially if you’re moving faster.”

Steps are a great way to track physical activity and prevent sedentary behavior, but be sure to plan time for purposeful exercise that challenges the body and elevates the heart rate, Rothstein added.

Rothstein is one of many New York Tech faculty lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Exercising in the warmer weather is a welcome respite from winter, but summer workouts bring their own challenges, including dehydration.

For most people, 64 ounces of water each day is recommended for good health, but this varies with activity level, climate, and individual needs, according to sports medicine physician Hallie Zwibel, D.O.

However, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American adults average a daily water consumption of just 44 ounces, while children and adolescents average only 23 ounces.

“Being dehydrated is more than just feeling thirsty—it means your body doesn't have enough water to function properly,” said Zwibel, an assistant dean and director of the Center for Sports Medicine at New York Institute of Technology’s medical school. “It’s important to listen to your body's signals and adjust your water intake based on factors like activity level and weather conditions.”

Signs of serious dehydration include extreme thirst, dark urine, dizziness, confusion, and rapid heartbeat, according to Zwibel. “If you experience these symptoms, drink water immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms persist,” he said. Chronic dehydration, or when dehydration appears for longer periods, may indicate serious underlying health issues such as diabetes, kidney problems, or certain medications affecting your body's fluid balance, he added.  

Zwibel emphasized that while electrolyte packets can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweat, they should not replace daily water intake. Electrolyte-infused water should be consumed in addition to the daily recommended amount.

For those ages 21 and older, alcohol can contribute to dehydration as well, because it strips the body of fluids, Zwibel said. “To counteract these effects, I recommend having a glass of water every 30 minutes, which will help continually replenish any fluids lost,” he advised.

“This summer, whether you’re playing an outdoor sport like pickleball or beach volleyball, or headed out for a run, it's essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after the activity,” said Zwibel.

The physician noted that wearing sunscreen, a hat, and light-colored clothing can also protect against the sun’s rays and reduce the risk of overheating, while taking regular breaks in the shade can help you stay cool and safely maintain exercise performance. “On the hottest days, try to schedule your workout or activity for the early morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler,” he added.

Zwibel is one of many New York Tech faculty lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.