The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the birth rate in America has dropped to a historic low, decreasing by 3% since 2022. 

The rate has been on a steady decline since 2014, except for a brief 1% increase from 2020 to 2021.

In recent years, the priorities of young Americans have been changing, including the desire to have children, the data suggests.

PSYCHOLOGISTS REVEAL 7 WAYS PARENTS CAN DRIVE HAPPINESS BY HELPING KIDS FIND THEIR PURPOSE

Experts say this drop-off could be caused by many factors — including a heightened focus on career goals, the cost of raising children, a priority on personal liberty and mental health, the fear of an uncertain future and growing fertility concerns. 

Career comes first?

Kyle Elliott, a career coach and job search expert based in Santa Barbara, California, told Fox News Digital about a lack of interest in having children among working professionals.

“I am seeing a huge increase in the focus of careers among Americans,” he said. 

“In the past, there were certain expectations in place — now, the path isn’t as predictable or expected.”

“They’re recognizing that it’s more challenging to balance work and life because their careers are taking up more time.”

Many Americans are working 50 to 60 hours per week, according to Elliott.

“Trying to balance that is a lot more difficult than it was 20, 10 or even five years ago,” he said. 

Many Americans today are working 50 to 60 hours per week, which makes having children nearly impossible, one expert suggested. (iStock)

Individuals who work extended hours are more likely to meet their career goals and earn more money, he said — so many find it “helpful” to forgo parenting commitments.

Company policies for parental leave and child care also come into play, Elliott said.

EGG-FREEZING IS ‘EXPLODING’ AMONG SOME AGE GROUPS – HERE’S WHAT WOMEN MUST KNOW

While some American businesses have improved accommodations for new parents, the U.S. is “still far behind compared to other countries,” he said.

When employees return from maternity or paternity leave, they’re often still responsible for child care, Elliott noted, which can be “really difficult to balance.”

To recruit and retain employees, one expert suggested that companies should continue providing thoughtful accommodations for families. (iStock)

“I think it would benefit both the employee and the employer if organizations provided more accommodations, whether that’s child care or additional leave or more flexibility, such as remote work or work from anywhere,” he said.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunity to better support parents,” he said, expressing his professional opinion.

Cost of childrearing

The cost of having a child can be daunting for some young Americans, as inflation remains high in many U.S. states, the Labor Department has reported.

A middle-income married couple with two children can expect to pay about $306,924 to raise a child born in 2023, according to data from Credit Karma.

PREGNANT WOMEN STRUGGLE TO FIND CARE IN ‘MATERNITY DESERTS,’ NEW STUDY FINDS

This estimate is based on a 2017 U.S. Department of Agriculture study.

Cost factors include housing (about 30% of total expenses), food, child care and education, transportation, health care, clothing and other items.

Day care alone could cost up to $17,000 per year in some states, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The cost of child care has become “astronomical,” one expert said. (iStock)

There could also be the added cost of saving for the child’s future, including college planning.

Dr. Michele Borba, a California-based educational psychologist and parenting expert, agreed that finances are a “huge factor” in terms of two working parents deciding to have a baby.

‘PANDEMIC SKIP,’ A COVID MENTAL HEALTH PHENOMENON, COULD DELAY MAJOR MILESTONES, EXPERTS SAY

“The cost of child care is unbelievably astronomical, and it’s unaffordable for a lot of parents,” she told Fox News Digital.

Years ago, “you had a nuclear family, or you had a mom who lived next door … and a lot of times, [people] don’t have that” now. 

Changing culture and politics

The American family unit has shifted from earlier generations, as many couples are choosing to get married at older ages and limit the number of kids they have, if any, experts say.

Borba, author of “Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine,” emphasized an increased focus on mental health and the need for parents to be mentally strong to raise a child.

“We’re seeing not only a halt in pregnancies, but a halt in larger families,” one psychologist said about today’s parenting situation. (iStock)

Many Americans do not have a secure support system to help raise a child, the psychologist noted, and single parenting is “even harder” for unmarried individuals.

A desire for personal freedom can also play a role in a decision not to have children, she noted.

SOME MOMS ARE MICRODOSING ON MUSHROOMS, TOUTING THE BENEFITS – BUT RISKS EXIST, SAY DOCTORS

Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author based in New York City, said he believes politics has played a role in people’s decisions to have children or not.

“Patients often cite their reasons as, ‘I don’t want to add to the carbon footprint‘ or ‘I don’t want to contribute to overpopulation,’ while others feel great insecurity about the state of the world and say, ‘The world is too dangerous of a place to raise a child,'” he told Fox News Digital.

Parents are often more stressed than their own children, one psychologist noted. (iStock)

Among those “more moderate” politically, Alpert said, “they worry about what it would be like to raise a kid in the climate of pronouns, boys competing in girls’ sports, and boys and girls sharing locker rooms.”

Other people simply don’t feel the pressure to have kids as people once did, the psychologist noted.  

“In the past, there were certain expectations in place — go to school, meet someone, get married, have kids. Now, the path isn’t as predictable or expected.”

Fear of the unknown

Many adults are also burdened by feelings of uncertainty about the future, Borba said, which can result in a “doom and gloom” perspective when considering whether to bring a human being into the world.

Some parents may ask themselves, “Is this the right kind of place to have a child?” or “Should I bring a human into this world when I don’t feel secure myself?”

SPIKE IN TEEN DEPRESSION ALIGNS WITH RISE OF SOCIAL MEDIA, NEW POLL SUGGESTS: ‘IT’S NOT GOING ANYWHERE’

Parenting “isn’t as relaxed” as it used to be decades ago, when parents took more of a hands-off approach and there was less emphasis on accelerated development and hyper-safety, according to Borba.

Parenting “isn’t as relaxed” as it used to be decades ago, one expert said. (iStock)

Kids in previous generations had “a lot more free time, a lot more play,” Borba said. 

“Those are things that aren’t part of our kids’ world right now, unfortunately. A lot of [prospective] parents are growing up in a fear-based world, and that’s impacting their decisions.”

Fertility obstacles

The chances of a woman experiencing fertility and pregnancy problems can be another deterrent to having children.

That’s according to Dr. Jillian LoPiano, a Miami-based OB-GYN and chief health officer at the reproductive telehealth platform Wisp, who told Fox News Digital that the health and cost implications of childbirth could cause couples to decide against becoming parents.

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The U.S. is currently experiencing a maternal mortality crisis, LoPiano said.

In 2021, the maternal death rate was 32 out of 100,000 births, which reportedly doubles and triples the current rates in other similarly resourced countries.

The Caesarean delivery rate increased for the fourth year in a row, according to CDC data from 2023. (iStock)

This could be due to the increase in maternal age, chronic health conditions and pregnancy-related health conditions that can appear at an “extreme age spectrum,” LoPiano said.

GRANDPARENTS MAY HAVE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A MOM’S MENTAL HEALTH, STUDY FINDS

“Lack of access to adequate prenatal care, health care costs and restrictive reproductive health care laws all contribute to poor outcomes,” she said.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Socioeconomic factors and other insecurities also play a role in the declining birth rate, LoPiano told Fox News Digital.

‘Should I have a baby?’

For couples who are on the fence about having a child, Borba encouraged them to use their best judgment.

“Nobody knows yourself better,” she said. “In the end, you know who you are and what you can give, so make the decision based on what’s best for your family and your child.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Borba suggested writing down the reasons in a journal and leaning on a trusted support system.

“If you want to stick to a decision, you need to be firm and understand your ‘why,’ which means you need to do a little reflective measure,” she advised.

“In the end, you know who you are and what you can give, so make the decision based on what’s best for your family and your child,” one psychologist said. (iStock)

Borba also emphasized the importance of being on the same page as your partner when it comes to having children.

If mental health is the main concern, she suggested seeking help from a provider who can help clarify the decision.

Long-term effects

Overall, Alpert said, it is natural for birth rates to “ebb and flow” over time.

“There’s probably no reason to be alarmed [by today’s declining birth rates],” he told Fox News Digital.

“A lot of [prospective] parents are growing up in a fear-based world, and that’s impacting their decisions.”

“That said, if there’s a significant decline, the proportion of the elderly population would increase relative to births, which could strain the health care system as more resources are put into medical care for the aging population.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health

There would also be fewer people entering the workforce and less spending, Alpert added — resulting in slower economic growth and potentially adversely affecting the Social Security system. 

FOX Business’ Megan Henney contributed to this report.

As former President Donald Trump continues to brush off any criticisms of his running mate Ohio Sen. JD Vance’s resurfaced comments from 2021 that “childless cat ladies” destroyed American values — with Trump emphasizing that adults without children are just as good as parents and that Vance strongly values family in his own life given his tumultuous upbringing — Americans are having fewer and fewer children.

Vance himself, the GOP’s vice presidential candidate, said his comments from three years ago were “radically” taken out of context by Democrats. 

Describing himself as “pro-family,” he also told Fox News’ Trey Gowdy, host of “Sunday Night in America,” that he firmly believes “there are a whole host of people who don’t have children for a whole host of reasons, and they certainly are great people who can participate fully in the life of this country.” 

PSYCHOLOGISTS REVEAL 7 WAYS PARENTS CAN DRIVE HAPPINESS BY HELPING KIDS FIND THEIR PURPOSE

He said Democrats have become increasingly “anti-family” and “anti-parent” over the years as they cite climate change concerns as one reason not to have children.

Whatever the reasons, in April, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the birth rate in America has dropped to a historic low, decreasing by 3% since 2022. The rate has been on a steady decline since 2014, except for a brief 1% increase from 2020 to 2021.

In recent years, the priorities of young Americans have been changing, including the desire to have children, the data suggests.

Experts say this drop-off could be caused by many factors — including a heightened focus on career goals, the cost of raising children, a priority on personal liberty and mental health, the fear of an uncertain future and growing fertility concerns. 

Career comes first?

Kyle Elliott, a career coach and job search expert based in Santa Barbara, California, told Fox News Digital about a lack of interest in having children among working professionals.

“I am seeing a huge increase in the focus of careers among Americans,” he said. 

“In the past, there were certain expectations in place — now, the path isn’t as predictable or expected.”

“They’re recognizing that it’s more challenging to balance work and life because their careers are taking up more time.”

Many Americans are working 50 to 60 hours per week, according to Elliott.

“Trying to balance that is a lot more difficult than it was 20, 10 or even five years ago,” he said. 

Many Americans today are working 50 to 60 hours per week, which makes having children nearly impossible, one expert suggested. (iStock)

Individuals who work extended hours are more likely to meet their career goals and earn more money, he said — so many find it “helpful” to forgo parenting commitments.

Company policies for parental leave and child care also come into play, Elliott said.

EGG-FREEZING IS ‘EXPLODING’ AMONG SOME AGE GROUPS – HERE’S WHAT WOMEN MUST KNOW

While some American businesses have improved accommodations for new parents, the U.S. is “still far behind compared to other countries,” he said.

When employees return from maternity or paternity leave, they’re often still responsible for child care, Elliott noted, which can be “really difficult to balance.”

To recruit and retain employees, one expert suggested that companies should continue providing thoughtful accommodations for families. (iStock)

“I think it would benefit both the employee and the employer if organizations provided more accommodations, whether that’s child care or additional leave or more flexibility, such as remote work or work from anywhere,” he said.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunity to better support parents,” he said, expressing his professional opinion.

Cost of childrearing

The cost of having a child can be daunting for some young Americans, as inflation remains high in many U.S. states, the Labor Department has reported.

A middle-income married couple with two children can expect to pay about $306,924 to raise a child born in 2023, according to data from Credit Karma.

PREGNANT WOMEN STRUGGLE TO FIND CARE IN ‘MATERNITY DESERTS,’ NEW STUDY FINDS

This estimate is based on a 2017 U.S. Department of Agriculture study.

Cost factors include housing (about 30% of total expenses), food, child care and education, transportation, health care, clothing and other items.

Day care alone could cost up to $17,000 per year in some states, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The cost of child care has become “astronomical,” one expert said. (iStock)

There could also be the added cost of saving for the child’s future, including college planning.

Dr. Michele Borba, a California-based educational psychologist and parenting expert, agreed that finances are a “huge factor” in terms of two working parents deciding to have a baby.

‘PANDEMIC SKIP,’ A COVID MENTAL HEALTH PHENOMENON, COULD DELAY MAJOR MILESTONES, EXPERTS SAY

“The cost of child care is unbelievably astronomical, and it’s unaffordable for a lot of parents,” she told Fox News Digital.

Years ago, “you had a nuclear family, or you had a mom who lived next door … and a lot of times, [people] don’t have that” now. 

Changing culture and politics

The American family unit has shifted from earlier generations, as many couples are choosing to get married at older ages and limit the number of kids they have, if any, experts say.

Borba, author of “Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine,” emphasized an increased focus on mental health and the need for parents to be mentally strong to raise a child.

“We’re seeing not only a halt in pregnancies, but a halt in larger families,” one psychologist said about today’s parenting situation. (iStock)

Many Americans do not have a secure support system to help raise a child, the psychologist noted, and single parenting is “even harder” for unmarried individuals.

A desire for personal freedom can also play a role in a decision not to have children, she noted.

SOME MOMS ARE MICRODOSING ON MUSHROOMS, TOUTING THE BENEFITS – BUT RISKS EXIST, SAY DOCTORS

Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author based in New York City, said he believes politics has played a role in people’s decisions to have children or not.

“Patients often cite their reasons as, ‘I don’t want to add to the carbon footprint‘ or ‘I don’t want to contribute to overpopulation,’ while others feel great insecurity about the state of the world and say, ‘The world is too dangerous of a place to raise a child,'” he told Fox News Digital.

Parents are often more stressed than their own children, one psychologist noted. (iStock)

Among those “more moderate” politically, Alpert said, “they worry about what it would be like to raise a kid in the climate of pronouns, boys competing in girls’ sports, and boys and girls sharing locker rooms.”

Other people simply don’t feel the pressure to have kids as people once did, the psychologist noted.  

“In the past, there were certain expectations in place — go to school, meet someone, get married, have kids. Now, the path isn’t as predictable or expected.”

Fear of the unknown

Many adults are also burdened by feelings of uncertainty about the future, Borba said, which can result in a “doom and gloom” perspective when considering whether to bring a human being into the world.

Some parents may ask themselves, “Is this the right kind of place to have a child?” or “Should I bring a human into this world when I don’t feel secure myself?”

SPIKE IN TEEN DEPRESSION ALIGNS WITH RISE OF SOCIAL MEDIA, NEW POLL SUGGESTS: ‘IT’S NOT GOING ANYWHERE’

Parenting “isn’t as relaxed” as it used to be decades ago, when parents took more of a hands-off approach and there was less emphasis on accelerated development and hyper-safety, according to Borba.

Parenting “isn’t as relaxed” as it used to be decades ago, one expert said. (iStock)

Kids in previous generations had “a lot more free time, a lot more play,” Borba said. 

“Those are things that aren’t part of our kids’ world right now, unfortunately. A lot of [prospective] parents are growing up in a fear-based world, and that’s impacting their decisions.”

Fertility obstacles

The chances of a woman experiencing fertility and pregnancy problems can be another deterrent to having children.

That’s according to Dr. Jillian LoPiano, a Miami-based OB-GYN and chief health officer at the reproductive telehealth platform Wisp, who told Fox News Digital that the health and cost implications of childbirth could cause couples to decide against becoming parents.

SOME TAMPON PRODUCTS FOUND TO CONTAIN TOXIC METALS IN FIRST-TIME STUDY

The U.S. is currently experiencing a maternal mortality crisis, LoPiano said.

In 2021, the maternal death rate was 32 out of 100,000 births, which reportedly doubles and triples the current rates in other similarly resourced countries.

The Caesarean delivery rate increased for the fourth year in a row, according to CDC data from 2023. (iStock)

This could be due to the increase in maternal age, chronic health conditions and pregnancy-related health conditions that can appear at an “extreme age spectrum,” LoPiano said.

GRANDPARENTS MAY HAVE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A MOM’S MENTAL HEALTH, STUDY FINDS

“Lack of access to adequate prenatal care, health care costs and restrictive reproductive health care laws all contribute to poor outcomes,” she said.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Socioeconomic factors and other insecurities also play a role in the declining birth rate, LoPiano told Fox News Digital.

‘Should I have a baby?’

For couples who are on the fence about having a child, Borba encouraged them to use their best judgment.

“Nobody knows yourself better,” she said. “In the end, you know who you are and what you can give, so make the decision based on what’s best for your family and your child.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Borba suggested writing down the reasons in a journal and leaning on a trusted support system.

“If you want to stick to a decision, you need to be firm and understand your ‘why,’ which means you need to do a little reflective measure,” she advised.

“In the end, you know who you are and what you can give, so make the decision based on what’s best for your family and your child,” one psychologist said. (iStock)

Borba also emphasized the importance of being on the same page as your partner when it comes to having children.

If mental health is the main concern, she suggested seeking help from a provider who can help clarify the decision.

Long-term effects

Overall, Alpert said, it is natural for birth rates to “ebb and flow” over time.

“There’s probably no reason to be alarmed [by today’s declining birth rates],” he told Fox News Digital.

“A lot of [prospective] parents are growing up in a fear-based world, and that’s impacting their decisions.”

“That said, if there’s a significant decline, the proportion of the elderly population would increase relative to births, which could strain the health care system as more resources are put into medical care for the aging population.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health

There would also be fewer people entering the workforce and less spending, Alpert added — resulting in slower economic growth and potentially adversely affecting the Social Security system. 

FOX Business’ Megan Henney contributed to this report.

Athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics are sleeping on cardboard bed frames for the second summer games in a row.

First introduced at Tokyo 2020, the cardboard beds have made a comeback as an environmentally friendly solution in the Olympic Village, according to reports.

The athletes can extend the beds to accommodate their size and can choose the firmness of the mattress, as shown in a video posted to the Olympics YouTube page.

WITH SOME OLYMPIC EVENTS POSTPONED, SEINE RIVER WATER QUALITY POSES CONCERNS

The sustainable beds, which are 100% made in France, will be fully recycled after the games, Olympic organizers have said.

Virginia-based neurologist Dr. Chris Winter, a sleep adviser for Mattress Firm and a sleep consultant for major-league sports teams in the U.S., reacted to the sleeping arrangements in an interview with Fox News Digital.

“I was not part of the French Olympic planning, but given the overall theme of the games as being ‘more responsible, more inclusive and more equal,’ I think the cardboard bed checks those boxes,” he said.

“For an Olympic swimmer, weightlifter or gymnast, to awaken with a tweak or catch in their back could be disastrous.”

Winter noted that past Olympic events have been associated with “tremendous amounts of waste.”

The cardboard beds are not only more economical, but also “much easier on the environment,” he said.

WANT TO GET BETTER SLEEP? EXERCISE FOR THIS LONG EACH DAY

“When the games are over, organizers are not tasked with what to do with thousands of real twin beds,” Winter said. “This creates significant cost savings, I imagine.”

Having the same beds also gives everyone a “performance advantage” when it comes to sleep, the expert noted.

U.S. gymnast Simon Biles yawns as she prepares to perform her uneven bars routine during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games on July 30, 2024. At right, one of the cardboard beds is shown. (Getty Images)

“I’m sure the fact that they could more easily break if jumped on or if lots of athletes are on the bed is probably a plus, as an indirect way to control behavior,” he added. 

“Plus, if an overzealous athlete throws theirs out the window, damage and risk is minimized.”

Potential health risks

While there are benefits to the cardboard solution, Winter stressed that these structures could pose some health risks for athletes.

“For an Olympic swimmer, weightlifter or gymnast to awaken with a tweak or catch in their back could be disastrous,” he said.

SIGNED MICHAEL PHELPS ARTWORK FROM 2008 BEIJING OLYMPICS UNVEILED AND ON SALE FOR FIRST TIME

“Lilly King missed a breaststroke medal by 1/100th of a second,” Winter noted. “Could a cardboard bed be to blame? Without a doubt,” he said, expressing his opinion.

A poor night’s sleep can even affect an athlete psychologically, the expert added.

The cardboard beds — one is shown here, without the bedsheets and covers — can extend longer to accommodate all Olympic athletes. (Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

Chafen Watkins Hart, M.D., sleep specialist at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, also weighed in on the importance of proper sleep for athletes.

“Getting used to a new environment, including a new bed, is daunting, especially with jet lag and the intensity of athletic competition,” she told Fox News Digital.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews/lifestyle

Although the mattresses reportedly have been improved from the ones used in Tokyo, they are still “very firm,” according to Hart.

“In general, it appears that the materials are washable and reusable, which is the primary reason they are being employed for thousands of athletes in the village,” she said. 

Ilona Maher of the U.S., at left, is chased by Brazil’s Gabriela Lima, right, during a women’s rugby match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 28, 2024. (CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images)

For some athletes, a mattress that is too firm can cause muscle soreness, she cautioned, while others may prefer firmness.

GOING TO BED AFTER THIS TIME COULD LEAD TO POORER MENTAL HEALTH, A STANFORD STUDY FINDS

Beyond the bed and mattress, Hart also noted that temperature and roommate considerations can also adversely affect athletes’ sleep.

“The rooms do not have air conditioning, and many athletes are supplementing with their own portable units,” she said. 

If athletes don’t “feel they are sleeping ‘right,’ the fallout could be bad,” a sleep expert said. (Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

“Sleeping in a hot, humid environment can be really disruptive and can increase the number of arousals [during the night] … and severity of insomnia.”

Many athletes may also get a random roommate assignment with someone who has different sleep habits.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

“Someone who is a night owl will not love bunking with an early bird,” Hart said. 

“Or someone used to sleeping in a silent, dark space may have trouble adjusting to a roommate who likes to play music and keep a light on.”

The mattress for athletes in Paris can be flipped to adjust its firmness, according to the Olympics. (Gao Jing/Xinhua via Getty Images)

For a good night’s sleep, Winter advised athletes to bring their own pillows and attempt to keep the room cool.

He also suggested bringing items that remind them of home, such as a partner’s pillowcase, favorite nighttime tea, stuffed animals, sleep masks or posters.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“Getting that Parisian apartment to feel like home can be a great advantage,” he said.

Hart agreed, adding that familiar scents, calming music and chats with loved ones can help reduce anxiety about sleeping in a strange or uncomfortable place.

Fox News Digital reached out to the International Olympic Committee for comment.

While dehydration is often associated with being thirsty, that’s not the only warning sign our bodies share with us.

The condition can occur when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, which can impact the body’s ability to perform its normal functions, say experts.

The body loses fluids and water through sweating and urination, according to Cleveland Clinic.

HATE WATER? HERE ARE 5 HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES, ACCORDING TO AN NFL SPORTS DIETITIAN

“In warm and hot weather in particular, your body loses water and fluid faster,” Mike Sevilla, M.D., a family physician with Salem Family Care in Salem, Ohio, told Fox News Digital.

“If these fluids are not replaced, the body becomes dehydrated.”

Although anyone can become dehydrated, it can be especially dangerous for vulnerable groups, such as young children and the elderly.

HERE ARE THE DRINKS YOU SHOULD HAVE ON A FLIGHT TO PREVENT DEHYDRATION — AND WHAT YOU SHOULDN’T 

5 surprising symptoms of dehydration

Doctors shared with Fox News Digital some of the signs of dehydration that go beyond thirst.

1. Sweating

It may come as a surprise that excessive sweating could be an indicator of dehydration. 

Water is lost when you sweat, so if you’re engaging in vigorous activity and don’t replace fluids, you can become dehydrated, according to Mayo Clinic’s website.

Illness is an often overlooked cause of dehydration, often leading to a depletion of fluids. (iStock)

“In heat and humidity, we lose more water in the form of perspiration, which is what triggers the body to tell the brain that it needs water and the actual feeling of thirst,” Lauren Fine, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Fine Dermatology in Chicago, told Fox News Digital.

2. Sickness

Illness is an often overlooked cause of dehydration. With excessive vomiting or diarrhea, the body can quickly become depleted of fluids — especially with younger people and older adults, Sevilla said. 

NEED MORE WATER INTAKE? THESE 4 FOODS CAN HELP YOU STAY HYDRATED ON HOT SUMMER DAYS

“Having a fever or an infection can also lead to dehydration, because fever can cause you to sweat and thereby lose fluid,” he cautioned. 

3. Fatigue

One of the initial signs of dehydration is fatigue. 

Fatigue is one of the early signs of dehydration, according to experts. (iStock)

“People usually ignore this symptom, thinking that they are just tired,” Sevilla said — but it can progress to dizziness and lightheadedness.

To combat fatigue, he recommends consuming beverages with electrolytes to boost energy levels.

4. Dark urine

If your urine is amber- or honey-colored, or dark orange, this may indicate that your body isn’t getting enough water, according to Health.com. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP      

“If you’re dehydrated and are holding onto more of the actual water itself, the urine will become darker and darker,” Michael A Palese, M.D., chair of the Department of Urology at Mount Sinai in New York, told Health.com. 

5. Skin changes

Dehydrated skin can look dull and dry, and can also show premature signs of aging, such as surface wrinkles. 

Changes in the skin can be a symptom of dehydration, experts say. (iStock)

“Skin cells need water to survive,” said Fine.

To keep the skin hydrated, she recommends drinking water while working out, reducing intake of coffee and other caffeinated beverages, and eating more fruits, vegetables and legumes.

When to seek medical attention

The longer dehydration continues without intake of sufficient fluids, the worse the symptoms become, according to Sevilla. 

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Severe dehydration leads to dizziness, confusion, increased heart rate and low blood pressure, the physician said.

“The more severe the case of dehydration is, the more difficult it is for people to drink enough fluid to help the situation,” he said. 

In cases of severe hydration, an individual may need to visit the hospital or emergency department to receive fluids via IV. (iStock)

In cases of severe hydration, the person may need to visit the hospital or emergency department to receive fluids via IV.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health

Both doctors emphasized the importance of being proactive and drinking water or electrolyte-containing fluids before exercising or playing sports.

A majority of voters believe that Vice President Kamala Harris knew about — and covered up — President Joe Biden’s reported cognitive health issues.

That’s according to a YouGov/Times of London poll that surveyed 1,170 registered voters on July 22 and July 23.

Among those who believe Biden’s health issues were kept under wraps, 92% said they think the vice president was well aware of the situation.

DOCTORS REACT AFTER BIDEN’S LIVE ADDRESS TO THE NATION: A CONCERNING ‘LACK OF EMOTION‘ 

Overall, 68% of respondents believe Biden’s decline was on Harris’ radar.

“There’s no way for me to know what went through Kamala’s head or what her experience has been dealing with Joe Biden,” Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author based in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

“Perhaps seeing him on a regular basis made it difficult for her to pick up on any changes,” said Alpert, who has not treated Biden.

“Of course, this is just speculation, and we do not know of any formal diagnosis.”

Judy Gaman, CEO of Executive Medicine of Texas, a luxury medical services provider in Southlake, previously spoke with Fox News Digital about the failure of those around Biden to seek help for the president.

JOE BIDEN’S HEALTH: LEADERSHIP ABILITY QUESTIONS MOUNT AS OVAL OFFICE SPEECH GAVE NO REASON FOR EXITING RACE

“Either they are in denial and have watched this take place over a period of time, so they are less sensitive to the contrast, or they are fully aware but can’t bear the thought of what happens to the family (on many levels) if Joe is no longer president,” said Gaman, who also has never treated the current commander-in-chief. 

Biden health concerns

Although there’s long been debate about potential signs of cognitive decline, the issue came to the forefront after the June 27 presidential debate, when Biden sparked concerns with his sometimes incoherent speech and unclear train of thought on national live television.

The president, who is 81, has also appeared to “freeze” on stage during public appearances on more than one occasion.

A new survey found that among those who believe any potential issues with Joe Biden’s health have been kept quiet, 92% say they think the vice president was well aware of the situation. (Getty Images)

In mid-July, Biden tested positive for COVID-19, and was said to experience upper respiratory symptoms that included “rhinorhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general malaise,” according to a statement on the White House’s website.

On July 23, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s personal physician, released a letter stating that Biden’s symptoms had resolved and that he would “continue to be monitored for any recurrence of illness.”

68% of poll respondents believe Biden’s decline was on Harris’ radar.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has stated that Biden has seen a neurologist multiple times as part of routine health exams, but that he is not being treated for any neurological disorders.

Dangers of denial

Outside the political arena, it is common for family members and loved ones to avoid facing signs of cognitive decline and potential dementia, experts say.

“Ask any family who has dealt with Alzheimer’s, dementia or Parkinson’s, and they will tell you that what we are seeing play out [here] is classic with most families who face this,” said Gaman, whose own mother struggled with Alzheimer’s disease.

Signs of potential cognitive issues came to the forefront after the June 27 presidential debate, when the president sparked concern with his sometimes incoherent speech and an unclear train of thought. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images; ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images; Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

“His story just happens to be playing out on the big stage,” Gaman added. “Remember, everyone rallying around Biden and covering up the truth has something personal to gain by him continuing to hold office.”

In some cases, Alpert noted, signs may be genuinely missed.

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“Generally speaking, family members who see their loved one on a regular basis don’t always pick up on the cognitive decline as perceptively as those who might just see someone on occasion,” he said.  

“For example, someone seeing Grandma once a year during the holiday season is more likely to pick up on a decline than if they were seeing her monthly.”

“If family members and close associates are in denial about a loved one’s cognitive decline, it can delay diagnosis and treatment.”

That’s because cognitive decline is usually gradual in the beginning, he noted.

“Early signs might be subtle and perhaps mistaken as normal aging or stress.”

In other cases, the person experiencing the decline may find ways to adapt and develop strategies to compensate for the cognitive difficulties, according to Alpert, which can make the symptoms less obvious to close family and friends. 

“Although in the short term it might be easier to look the other way, ultimately denial leads to more stress for the loved ones as the condition worsens,” a psychologist said. (iStock)

Experts agree that a denial of someone’s cognitive decline doesn’t do the person any favors.

“If family members and close associates are in denial about a loved one’s cognitive decline, it can delay diagnosis and treatment of the person,” Alpert warned. 

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“Dismissing an obvious issue as ‘just a bad day’ or saying ‘everyone forgets from time to time’ doesn’t help the person, and will only slow access to resources and proper management of the condition,” he added.

Delaying treatment can also pose safety risks, experts agree.

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“Although in the short term it might be easier to look the other way, ultimately denial leads to more stress for the loved one as the condition worsens,” Alpert said.

“Sometimes, getting a proper medical diagnosis provides the clinical validation necessary for the patient to actually feel understood.”

Delaying treatment can also pose safety risks to the person experiencing cognitive decline, experts agree. (iStock)

In Alpert’s practice, he said he sometimes has patients who experience a host of symptoms, but don’t know exactly what is going on.  

“Once I confirm the diagnosis, they feel a bit relieved to know that their symptoms are real and part of a medical or psychological disorder, and not just made up,” he said.

In Biden’s case, denial of a possible cognitive disorder isn’t just dangerous for the president, but also for the country as a whole, experts say.

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If Biden is experiencing cognitive decline, failure to get him the medical attention he needs could be putting his health in danger, according to Gaman.

“From the standpoint of the country, we need to address this as a health crisis and not a political crisis,” she said.

President Biden boards Air Force One as he departs Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, on July 23, 2024, his first public appearance after announcing his exit from the presidential race. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Gaman also noted that if Biden does have one of these conditions, he may not understand the need to ask for help.

“This is a prime opportunity to increase funding for research, raise awareness and encourage others dealing with this to come out of denial.”

We need to “encourage others dealing with this to come out of denial.”

Gaman noted that she is not claiming to diagnose the president, but rather asking that the country open up the discussion on neurodegenerative disease, “especially since it’s on the rise.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the Harris campaign requesting comment but did not receive a response. 

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In response to earlier outreach from Fox News Digital, the White House press office said that “health was not a factor” in Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. 

“He looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people,” the White House said in its statement.