Kids
The medical profession has been telling us for many years that children do not drink enough during the school day, and that the resulting dehydration contributes to a number of short and long-term health problems.
Kids can benefit from having a water cooler around. If fresh, cool, great tasting water is immediately available Kids will gravitate to it. The reason they drink cordial or other less healthy options is convenience, and the fact that warm tap water sometimes tastes like the local swimming pool.
The CSIRO says to parents;
- Parents, set an example by drinking water yourself.
- Make water easily available.
- Serve water with meals.
- Pack a drink bottle filled with water for school.
- Make water more interesting for children.
- Add ice cubes.
- Use a straw.
- Add a slice of orange or lemon.
- Take a bottle of water from home when you are going out.
The CSIRO also says
Higher consumption of sugary drinks is associated with excess weight in children of all ages. That is why this is the first and most important point in The Healthy Weight and Well Being Plan for Children.
If your family is struggling to make the switch to water, try a ‘phase out’ approach. Offer progressively smaller amounts of fruit juice or try artificially sweetened cordial diluted with water. Diet soft drinks don’t contain sugar or kilojoules, but they are acidic which may still damage tooth enamel.
In its 10 Steps to healthy families ;
- Give thirsty kids water.
- Help young bones grow strong.
- Veggies add vitality.
- Grains are great.
- Think healthy snacks.
- Start with breakfast.
- Recreational screen time.
- Help kids be active.
- Be a healthy role model.
- Shop smartly.