Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools March 2015 | Page 21

Kids Require Just as much drinking water as adults, according to experts

They might be pint-size, but their water needs are not. Kids, experts say, should be just as properly hydrated as adults, if not more so.
“The standard recommendations are for children to get six to eight glasses of water per
day,” says Dr. Melina Jampolis, CNNHealth’s Diet and Fitness expert. “Mild dehydration can affect
learning as well as mental and physical performance.”
Underscoring Jampolis’ assertion is a recent report out of Tufts University which found that
children who are even mildly thirsty can become cranky. For school-age children, dehydration—
even at low levels—can impair cognitive function, says lead reseacher Kristen D’Anci, Ph.D.
Realistically, however, parents know how difficult it is to get kids to drink any water, never
mind enough. To that end, the following tips may help concerned parents find ways to help their
children guzzle more of what’s good for them:
• Make water available. Place a pitcher of water in the
refrigerator (studies show that kids are more likely to drink
cold water than room temperature), have water bottles out,
ready to be filled, or have bottles handy. That way, there’s
no excuses. You may also want to consider offering water
that has mildly alkaline properties such as Alkame Water.
Ionized water has smaller molecule clusters that are able
to permeate a body’s cells faster, while hydrating more fully
and effectively. In turn, this allows little bodies to absorb
water and minerals better, and flush out toxins. Another
benefit? Alkame is the only water patented for high levels
of stabilized dissolved oxygen.
• Take it to go. Kids model what they see, so whenever you and your wee ones
are on the go, make sure you take water for yourself and your child. If you’re taking
sips of water throughout the day, chances are, they will too. And don’t stop at