Hydration important in young and old

Establish a routine of offering your young child or toddler water through out the day and he or she will get into the habit of drinking water. There is a danger of dehydration in children when they are sick or have a stomach flu.

Lack of water can leave your child feeling extremely tired. According to the Mayo Clinic, the weight of our bodies is 60% water, and all of our vital organs depend on water to operate well. In the summer our bodies lose water  through perspiration.  In the winter, when the air is dry and cold we may not be aware of how much we perspire.

When a child plays sports, he or she needs to be aware of fluid intake and stay well hydrated in order to perform well. If the weather is very hot, your child is overdressed, overweight, or has been taking a cold medication then he/she may dehydrate faster. It is recommended that children drink water before during and after the physical activity.

For adults, check out the Mayo Clininc article, "Water: How Much Should You Drink Each Day?" to find out more about quantities and other tips and information on hydration. Amounts may be slightly less for children.

If a cold glass of water on a frigid cold day is not appealing then you may want to stick to hot, caffeine-free teas or plain hot water. Or keep a Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad handy while you have a glass of cold water. A Cozy Sheep makes a perfect bed warmer and gift for someone feeling a bit chilly. A Magnificent Moose warms the heart and cold hands at the same time.