CuriosityCafe Tidbits

Question
My kids spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer yet never seem to be thirsty. Should I be concerned about dehydration? They drink fluids, of course, but their intake doesn’t increase in the hot weather.

You Can Lead A Kid to Water…St. Joseph, MO

Answer
Hydration is a very important consideration, especially for kids during the summer. To address this important issue we reprint Marc Calderwood’s excellent article, “Are You Drought Tolerant?” from the Summer issue of Wild Side outdoor magazine.

A recent study of 3,000 individuals revealed that only 20% drink the recommended amount of water, while only 44% drink three glasses a day, and 9% drink no water at all. In other words, almost 75% of all Americans suffer from some form of dehydration.

Finally, the best way to develop good writing skills is to practice, practice, practice. Your focus is to get your son writing—and enjoying it. Don’t worry about his grammar, spelling, or technical skills. Those can be improved once your son feels at ease using the written word.

Some Hydration Facts

• The thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger in 37% of Americans.

• Mild dehydration can slow your metabolism as much as 3%.

• One glass of water at bedtime can eliminate midnight hunger pains.

• The number one cause of daytime fatigue: lack of water.

• The body absorbs cold water faster than tepid or warm water.

• Eight to 10 glasses of water a day may significantly ease back and joint pain.

• Thirst is an unreliable indicator of hydration needs. (Italics ours)

Warning Signs

• A 2% loss of hydration can bring the first signs of dehydration: generalized discomfort, fatigue, headache and apathy—often signs of a general afternoon slump.

•  A 5% loss may cause symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as a weak, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, and general weakness.

• A 10% loss is extremely dangerous and can lead to heatstroke and death if not treated immediately.

Who’s At Risk?

• INFANTS: Obviously they can’t tell anyone when they are thirsty and their baby size in proportion to fluid volume is a contributing factor.

• YOUNG CHILDREN: Normally kids will drink anything but water. No other drink takes the place of water.

• THE ELDERLY: The body of a newborn is 75-80 percent water. That decreases to 50% for the elderly. Some older citizens may forget to drink as much water as they require.

• ATHLETES: Their thirst mechanism cannot always keep pace with the excessive water losses that occur in strenuous workouts.

How to Take Charge

• Drink water at regular intervals throughout the day.

• Keep bottled water in the refrigerator so you can grab it when you go out.

• Add two glasses to the recommended eight during the summer heat.

Do you have a question about your favorite youngster's latest challenge? Email Sue: ssehismith@curiositycafe.com