A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public health on water drinking habits of children and teens in the United States reveals that 54.5 per cent of the survey participants have inadequate hydration.
The findings, published in American Journal of Public Health, were based on a sample of over 4,100 children and adolescents falling in the age bracket of six to 19 years that were surveyed by the US Centers for Disease Control from 2009 to 2012.
Water not only quenches thirst but also ensures that the body will run efficiently. Hence, kids who are oblivious on the vital role that drinking water plays in overall health may be at an increased risk for mild dehydration and other disorders.
Some of the repercussions of not drinking enough water are recurring headaches, dizziness, dry mouth syndrome, lethargy, higher heart rate, and impaired thinking, to name some.
Both children and adults can suffer from dehydration. Individuals tend to lose substantial fluids and salts with vigorous exercise or through illness. Hence, it is important to recognize the telltale signs of dehydration.
One of the Harvard study authors Steven Gortmaker, PhD, emphasized that all is not lost, since parents and caregivers can help kids increase their water intake. Hydration, Professor Gortmaker said, is crucial since it can create a positive well-being in kids and improve how they perform in school, Examiner reported.
Some parents may deem it best to let their kids drink fruit juices, which is fine if the fruits are freshly squeezed. Sugary drinks like sodas and flavored packed juices are not ideal since they contribute to excess pounds. Moreover, kids may develop a strong liking for the sugary beverages, which may further dissuade them from drinking more water.
The study highlighted the necessity of making improvements in hydration of young kids and adolescents by encouraging them to drink more pure and clean water to stay physically and mentally healthy.