Today at 7:09 PM marks the beginning of summer — and the heat is here to prove it! With temperatures rising to the nineties, it's important to be safe and stay hydrated as you continue your training for MS Challenge Walk.

Here with tips on how to stay hydrated is Dr. Mary-Elise Manuell of UMass Memorial Medical Center.

Best tip: Don't wait until you're thirsty. Keep chugging those liquids in anticipation of them being depleted! You'll feel better and be safer.

For more advice about staying hydrated, check out the National MS Society's Web site or other posts on the Challenge Blog.

Ken joined the MS Challenge Walk in 2005, more than a decade after his mother was diagnosed. After walking for three years and 150 miles, he switched to the support crew and now rides his bicycle along the trail, providing whatever encouragement (and snacks!) he can to the 600 walkers. He is also an alumnus of the event's steering committee and is this site's webmaster.