No matter what the season, whatever the temperature and however active you are, water remains key to our wellbeing. Hydration is important every day and it’s vital to keep tabs on your water intake. Children can be especially vulnerable to dehydration and with a higher proportion of body water, young children often need to be reminded to drink. Once they admit to being thirsty, the hydration is already taking affect. Have water to hand and accessible, and children will drink. Nothing beats fresh water. Sports drinks, carbonated and some fruit drinks often contain sugar and even sugar-free drinks can contain acids. These drinks can also give a child the taste for sweet drinks. Remember that it’s still important to drink regularly …. hydration is crucial, so it’s time to be water-wise.
Get in the habit
Drinking water with meals is an easy habit to get into and one that your children can take with them into adulthood. Few children drink tea and coffee but it is not unknown and even a small amount of caffeine is a stimulant. Water has nothing but hydrating goodness and is the most thirst quenching drink you can provide.
Age, gender, weather and how much physical activity children do, can affect their hydration. 6 to 8 glasses a day is about right, and with our bottled water option, water fountains or water dispensers, all work well within an educational or leisure setting. Younger children need a little less, older a little more. Boys in their mid teens need more at a recommended 1.5 to 1.7 litres per day, with girls requiring 1.3 to 1.5 litres per day. All recommended by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Remember that food provides some fluids as part of your daily intake, but nothing beats water – whatever its source.
Get that Brain In Gear
Our bodies of course need water, but our brains need regular hydration just as often. Without the appropriate amount of water, our attention and memory can be affected. Get your brain in gear and make it super efficient – keeping the exchange of nutrients and toxins absolutely right and ensure you stay alert. Water availability at schools and colleges is essential (and law) as too within the working environment, whether you opt for a water fountain, a plumbed-in water cooler options or water bottle coolers, having it to hand gives everyone the opportunity to drink. Get the brain in gear, and the body will benefit too, so we’re all at optimum hydration.
Need advice and guidance on what water dispenser would work best for your needs, then contact the Countrywise team. Get your hydration sorted and the rest will follow!