“Healthy Monday is our way of kicking off the week with useful health tips, information or news put together by our team of Health Consultants.”
We all know that drinking pure water every day is a key component of optimal health. Unfortunately, many make the mistake of forgoing water for other types of drinks, most of which have added ingredients such as sugar, artificial flavors etc. that will not do your health any good!
Most American kids are particularly prone to drinking sweet drinks like soda and fruit juice instead of plain water, while a majority of teens tend to reach for sports and energy drinks instead.
According to a recent nationwide study by the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, in fact, 54.5% of the students in the study had urine concentrations that qualified them as below their minimum daily water intake, which can have repercussions for their health and academic performance.
“I was surprised that almost one in four kids drank no water during the course of their day.”
“These findings are significant because they highlight a potential health issue that has not been given a whole lot of attention in the past.
“Even though for most of these kids this is not an immediate, dramatic health threat, this is an issue that could really be reducing quality of life and well-being for many, many children and youth, according to lead author Erica Kenney.”
Not all children and adolescents were equally dehydrated, according to the study. The surveyed boys were 76% more likely to be inadequately hydrated than girls, which was a statistically significant finding.
Even though for most of these kids this is not an immediate, dramatic health threat, this is an issue that could really be reducing quality of life and well-being for several children and youth
Although, mild dehydration typically isn’t life threatening, not drinking enough water could result in cognitive impairment, headaches and even nausea in severe cases, according to Dr. Anisha Patel, a pediatrician at the University of California, San Francisco.
Therefore as parents, we need to ensure our kids are having the right balance of water intake.
Have a healthy day!
Photo Credit: Stanfield.com
