Tricks to Get Your Kids to Drink More Water

Ok, so maybe my definition of "drinking water" is a little more loosely defined, but I promise that you will be right along with me by the end of this post. I am sure that most people agree that drinking water and keeping hydrated is quite important if you want your body to continue to function at an optimal level. Keeping hydrated is dually important for kids as well.

The fall season does not officially begin until September 23, so there is still a big chunk of summer left. Let this also serve as a reminder that it is also important to keep hydrated in the cooler months as well. Here are tips to keep your kids hydrated long after the lazy days of summer.

Be Consistent

Consistently offer your kids water at various times of day. Offering just plain, unadulterated water to your kids at different times of day will not only liken the chances that your child(ren) will partake, but will demonstrate to your kids that you think drinking water is very important. What is important to you will likely become important to them.

Be an Example

"Do as I say not as I do", really does not work for the long haul. If you want your kids to build healthy hydration habits that will last long after they have grown up and left your home then, you need to be an example. Opting for water instead of sodas, sugary drinks and other beverages will not only set a great example, it is a "drink to your health".

Offer Personalization

Giving your kids choices and options are a great to get them to drink more water. Offer them a choice of a special cup or mug in which they can drink their "sky juice". You may also give them the option of ice or no ice, chilled or room temperature variety. Does your little one have a favorite fruit? Offer pieces of fruit in the water for a naturally flavored variety. Citrus fruits, pineapples and cucumbers are great options! You didn't think that this was just for the spa did you? As another alternative, try offering juice that is diluted with water. Half of those fruit beverages are way too sweet anyway. Thirty to fifty percent dilution will do the trick.

Eat It

Maybe Weird Al Yankovic knew what he was talking about? It is a myth that water has to be poured to be counted into your 6-8 glasses. Offer kids a choice of fruits and veggies with high water content. Cucumbers, oranges, lemons, watermelons, peaches, apples, tomatoes, and grapes are very "water loving". Don't forget to offer personalization here too. Kids can help you choose and even "juice" their favorite fruits and veggies for a healthy treat.

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This self proclaimed "Domestic Life Stylist" is passionate about matters concerning the home and takes a multi-faceted approach to the topic from a modern mom's perspective.

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Summertime and Water

Water is a natural necessity. It is essential to consume enough water, but it is also important to be wary of water, because if water is life, it can also constrain life and sometimes take it back.

We are water. Our body contains an inland sea. Before our birth, we go through a phase (water) as we swim in amniotic fluid. A two months fetus is composed of over 95 percent water. As an infant, water represents 75 percent of our total weight and at adulthood, it still represents 65 percent of our total weight. From top to bottom we are waterlogged: Our blood and our brains contain more than 80 percent water, 75 percent our muscles and our skeleton nearly 40 percent.

DEHYDRATION

We lose an average of two liters of water daily through perspiration, respiration and the elimination exerted by our kidneys. Much more during hot weather during summer or during a sustained physical exercise. If we lose the equivalent of 2 percent of our water, we feel the need to drink. At 10 percent, our skin shrinks and we are victims of hallucinations. At 15 percent dehydration, we are in danger of dying... Dehydration is also the source of many evils among which inflammation, thickening of the blood, compaction discs and kidney problems and much more. Dehydration is insidious. The sensation of thirst occurs late, when the water losses are already large. Therefore drink regularly during the day, even if we do not feel thirsty. At least one and a half liters of low mineral content water, and more than double that amount during hot weather or during a heat wave.

SWIMMER'S OTITIS

The ear wax (cerumen) that builds up naturally in the ears is very useful. It protects the ear canal from moisture and contains a beneficial bacteria for the ear. It's that bacteria which protects the ears from external otitis which is the most current, usually called (swimming pool otitis) or (swimmer's otitis) because it is more often diagnosed in children who swim often. Itching inside the ear, clear liquid that flows out, ear pain when moving the head or when the earlobe is pulled and difficulty hearing are all symptoms that characterize swimmer's otitis. It develops when the inside of the ears remains wet. The skin in the ear canal dry's out and small cracks are formed. Bacteria and fungi infiltrate tissues and infect the ear. The infection usually cure itself within one or two days. If there is pain in the external ear or if there is a purulent discharge, it is best to consult a doctor. Antibiotic drops if required will be prescribed to promote faster healing. To prevent swimmer's otitis, do not remove the wax from your ears, remove only the wax which is apparent with a washcloth only. After bathing, make sure to dry your ears correctly. While swimming, you can also wear earplugs.

DROWNING

Drowning can happen anywhere at anytime. It only takes water: lakes, rivers, ponds, pools, spas, wading pools or bathtubs. It can occur in very little water, very quickly and very often without a sound. In many cases, only a few centimeters of water is sufficient. An adult should supervise at all times, all children who are in the water or near water, and they should never be left alone in a pool, a spa, or close to a lake, a pound or a river, even for a brief moment. When the face is submerged, not breathing is voluntarily chosen, then comes the critical time when breathing again becomes imperative and with it follows an involuntary inspiration accompanied by a massive intake of water in the lungs. Lack of oxygen to the brain causes a loss of consciousness and in less than 4 minutes, the heart stops beating. The few first minutes are critical. The intervention must be quick. If you find yourself in the presence of drowned person, stay calm. Remove the person from the water. Call quick help by calling 9-1-1. Lie the person on the a hard floor or surface. Lay the person down on the side, the leg facing the ground stretched, while the other bent forward. The arm on the ground should be extended forward, the other bent forward. Tilt the person's head slightly backward so he or she can breathe and make sure nothing is obstructing the airway. Check the breathing and pulse (on the arteries in the neck). If not breathing, give artificial respiration practice mouth to mouth respiration while pinching the person nose and blowing into his mouth at a rate equivalent to 12 to 15 breaths per minute. The volume of each insufflation must allow a victim's chest to rise. If there is no pulse, couple heart massages with your artificial respiration. Locate the area where your suppose to massage, the sternum, the area where the ribs meet at the center of the chest. Place on this area the heel of one of your hand. Perform 15 compressions to 2 mouth to mouth artificial respiration; alternating, until the pulse reappears. Then continue with the same procedure until helps arrives.

Rodolphe Cote is a free lance design draftsman who also wrote many internet articles about various subjects including an article about the 17 year emergence of cicadas an insect that most people do not know much about. He is now doing internet marketing. His website is Rudys Health Products

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