Keeping Kids Hydrated (Infographic)

Afterschool.ae Keeping Kids Hydrated Fueling kids, one at a time Thirst & Hydration The physiological fact of having lost fluids The sensation of wanting to drink When you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Thirst is the way of telling your body to drink water, it is basically a craving for fluids. Scientifically, thirst arises because we lack in fluid and there's an increase in concentration of osmolites, such as salt in our body. Once the water fluid in our body falls below a certain threshold, osmolits becomes too high, the brain signals thirst. BY THE BOOKS: Osmolytes are compounds affecting osmosis. They are soluble in the solution within a cell, or in the surrounding fluid, e.g. as plasma osmolytes. They play a role in maintaining cell volume and fluid balance. Feel the Heat (Injuries) 133% 2/3 The number of heat-related injuries from 1997 to 2006 increased 133%. Youth accounted for the largest proportion of heat-related injuries at 47.6%. Two-thirds of kids show up for practice at least significantly dehydrated. Why Hydration Is Important Fueling the body is important to stay healthy. Proper hydration is always associated with energy levels, concentration, physical endurance and other things that help us get the most out of life. 3 Water keeps your body temperature Water is every where inside your body, it can be found in our every cell, tissue and Water helps you get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration & normal bowel movements. organ. Facts Kids need more hydration than adults. Kids are often at greater risk of becoming dehydrated, in part because they're less effective at perspiring and also because their bodies can produce more heat Kids who are busy in their activities such as sports, outdoor camp and fun play often forget to drink water. Therefore adults should be responsible on reminding these kids to keep their selves hydrated. during exercise. The notion that we must all drink Studies suggest that the right eight cups of water per day to improve our health is an old one, but it isn't exactly accurate. amount of water to drink is the amount that quenches your thirst. "When you think about the way that the body handles water, you pee it out. The body regulates water very carefully and doesn't allow it to accumulate. Extra water is immediately excreted," says Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, a professor of medicine at University of Pennsylvania and an expert on fluid management. Keep Kids Fueled Here's a standard recommended daily amount of fluids that the kids need. 5 glasses (1 litre) for 5 to 8 year olds 7 glasses (1.5 litres) for 9 to12 year olds 8 to 10 glasses (2 litres) for 13+ years Kids need to drink more water when you're exercising or having an activity or on a hot day. We often don't feel thirsty even when our bodies need fluid, so it's a good idea to drink water regularly throughout the day. Tips for Moms & Kids Water down juices, sports drinks and cordials. Pack a water bottle whenever you go out. In summer, put a frozen water bottle in your lunch box. Use smaller glasses when drinking sugary drinks. Choose water instead of Keep a bottle of cold water in the fridge in summer and sugar-sweetened beverages. This tip can also help with weight management. Substituting water for one 20-ounce sugar-sweetened soda will save you about 240 calories. drink warm water in winter. Kids Love Sugar Sweetened Beverages Although beverages that are sweetened with sugars do provide water, they usually have more calories than unsweetened beverages. To help with weight control, you should consume beverages and foods that don't have added sugars. Water (H2O) is Still The Best Thirst Quencher Helpful Resources New Hydration Study, The British Journal of Sports Medicine - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24055782 - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/03/how-much- water-should-i-drink n 2398712.html http://www.youthsportssafetyalliance.org/sites/default/ files/docs/Statistics-2013.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/ water.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osmolyte - http://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/kids-teens/choose- water-as-a-drink-kids.aspx