Sept. 1, 2012

How to Hydrate

Tips for Keeping Your Kids Hydrated at Home and at School

• Keep It Handy: Have your kids carry a water bottle. And keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator so it's cold, refreshing and easy to reach.

• Don't Run Out: If your child is playing, running, jumping and sweating, he or she needs even more water and other fluids.

• Fill 'Er Up: Drinking a glass of water before a meal can help your kids feel full and resist the urge to eat more than they need.

• Eat Your Water: Remember the rule about eating more fruits and vegetables? Well, it's partly because they're actually good at replacing fluids. Fruits like grapes, watermelon, oranges or cantaloupe are full of water. So are veggies like lettuce, cucumbers and celery. Just be sure to keep the liquids flowing, too.

• Lead by Example: Encourage parents and school staff to carry water bottles and track their own water consumption. Make it a competition for added excitement.

Additional Water Facts:

• Only 15 percent of school-age children drink the recommended amount of water¹, but on average they consume six sodas per week.²

• The human brain is 85% water.³

• Sugar-sweetened beverages are the largest source of sugar in the diets of children and adolescents.⁴

• A 20-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage has about 250 calories. 20 ounces of water has none.⁵