Active Fit: Maintaining Hydration

When exercising or playing, it is important for children to drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated replaces the water lost during physical activities and is essential for maintaining body temperature and preventing cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Some helpful tips that parents can use to ensure children are maintaining hydration include:

• Using a portable water bottle to encourage drinking on the go

• Using a water bottle with lines to show how much the child should drink by a certain time

• Avoiding soft drinks and limit juices – water is best

• Infusing water with fresh fruit to add flavor

• Serving water in fun cups with silly straws

• Being a good example by drinking water throughout the day

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Active Fit: Maintaining Hydration