Hydrated Students Reserve Thirst For Knowledge

Published July 29, 2014

ALLIANCE — According to a report by the American Council on Exercise, the body can lose up to a quart of water in one hour depending on the amount of exercise and air temperature at the time.
Water is one of the most essential nutrients required by the body. It is a part of every organ, tissue and cell in the human body. Without sufficient fluid intake, dehydration can occur. Getting enough water each and every day is important and vital for a healthy, functioning body. Water also provides lubrication for the joints, cushions and protects organs and aids in the digestive process.
Children are at an increased risk for dehydration for several reasons. Their bodies are smaller, and therefore hold less water than an adult. Children typically have an increased level of activity than adults and tend to overheat much quicker. They also metabolize nutrients much faster than adults.
According to the Center for Disease Control, by the time a person notices the first symptoms of dehydration, they can lose up to 2 percent of their body mass in water. For a healthy 10-year-old child, this can be as much as 1.4 pounds or almost a pint and a half.
A reduction in cognitive abilities and physical coordination occurs at a one percent loss of water, even before thirst begins.
Healthy people replenish the water in their body by consuming water when thirsty and drinking fluids along with meals. Certain foods also provide water for the body, but not as much as drinking water. Fruits and vegetables have high water contents, as do soups and broths. Giving children fruits for snacks instead of chips or candy helps keep their little bodies properly hydrated.
Sugary drinks such as soda do help keep the body hydrated but provide empty calories that may lead to weight and other health problems. Children should consume such beverages sparingly. Natural fruit juices also contain large amounts of sugar, but often provide vitamins, minerals and electrolytes in addition to water.
Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dizziness, sluggishness, confusion, the inability to sweat, a marked decrease in urine excretion and even seizures. Seek medical attention for children if these symptoms occur. Also seek medical attention if the child experiences heart palpitations (a sensation of the heart pounding or jumping), has vomiting that lasts for more than a day, diarrhea lasting more than two days, chest or abdominal pain or weakness and fainting.
It is recommended a person drink three quarts to a gallon of water a day. For those engaging in regular exercise, even more water than this is required.
The United States Department of Agriculture suggests schools provide pitchers of water and cups on lunchroom tables. If allowed, children should keep bottled water with them in the classroom. If drinks are not allowed in the classroom, students should be given regular water breaks throughout the day.
In the dry Nebraska sun, it is easy for active children to quickly become dehydrated. Because of the relatively low humidity, sweat dries off of the body quickly. This can be problematic as it is not clearly obvious how much sweat the body lost. As the sweat dries, it takes body heat with it. This keeps a child cool, but is deceiving since it is not apparent how much water is actually being lost.
It is absolutely crucial for children, and adults, to have an intake of water that exceeds the amount a person loses through perspiration. Sweating is not the only way that a person can lose body water. Using the restroom and even breathing expel water from the body.
The body can go up to six weeks without food, but only a few days without water.