Half of children between the ages of six and 19 are not adequately hydrated. Chronic dehydration can result in kidney problems, heatstroke, headaches, irritability, poor circulation, reduced physical performance and poor mental functioning. Children are more susceptible to dehydration than adults because they adapt to heat more slowly. Best: Encourage kids to drink plain water, not juice or sports drinks. Infuse it with fresh fruit such as oranges… vegetables such as cucumbers… or herbs such as mint to enhance the taste without adding sugar. Serve it ice-cold when possible (or use frozen water bottles in lunch bags)—cold water tastes better to children than room-temperature water.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, published in American Journal of Public Health.
