7 out of 10 Aussie Mum’s miss the mark when it comes to kids and dehydration
Announcement posted by Spark Communications 06 Apr 2011
While most Australian Mum’s (96% surveyed) are encouraging their kids to enjoy sport and exercise, almost half (47%) did not know that children are at greater risk to dehydration than adults1.
Golden Circle Nutritionist, Kathy Hodson, says “Children are at greater riskofdehydration compared to adults as their bodies respond less efficiently to heat, feel hotter and have greater difficulty getting rid of heat from their body. Children are not able to regulate their body temperature the same way adults do, and often wait until they are thirsty before they start to look for a drink. By this time they are already starting to dehydrate”.
“There is a common misconception that children can only suffer from dehydration when exercising in the heat. But there's a problem: many children playing outside in autumn and winter forget about hydration. Parents would not let kids forget their trusty water bottle in summer, and don't realise hydration is still important in the colder months. Keeping on top of hydration, and not waiting for active children to become thirsty, is a great way to help ensure kids can perform at their best” says Hodson.
“It’s pretty clear that special attention needs to be paid to keeping kids adequately hydrated. We need to reinforce the fact that active children should be drinking before, during and after practice and games. A sports drink with electrolytes may be helpful. It may limit dehydration and assist with replacement of fuel and fluid into the body.
Golden Circle Sports Cordial contains sugars, which are an important sports drink component to provide energy and help delay fatigue. It is, however, important to prepare Golden Circle Sports Cordial as directed on the label and only consume it in an exercise setting” Hodson said.
Former Olympic swimmer and mother of three, Sam Riley, sees the need to rehydrate “As a former elite athlete I understand the importance of hydration”. While water is a great choice and is readily available to most kids, they may drink more fluid if it has flavour in it.
“Water is a great start but sometimes it’s simply not enough on its own especially if you want to have maximum strength and stamina to last the distance and still have energy to burn. As a Mum of active boys, I can see that it’s not enough for children just to rely on their thirst. Proper hydration is not just for drinking in hot and humid sports conditions; always remember to keep up the fluids even in winter (or colder) months as dehydration during sports can occur in any environment ” says Riley.By keeping on top of hydration, and not waiting for active children to become thirsty, is a great way to help ensure kids can perform at their best. Primary school children and young teens need guidance from their parents, teachers and coaches. It’s important for adults to set a hydration routine for the colder months, making sure that children have frequent water breaks and adequate electrolyte replacing fluids (where appropriate).
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About
Golden Circle ™Established in the 1940’s Golden Circle is a trusted provider of premium Australian grown and made fruit and vegetable produce, offering a range of canned products, fruit juices and cordials, jams and sauces. Part of the Heinz Australia group since 2008 for further information visit www.goldencircle.com.au[1]Golden Circle Sport Cordial hydration survey carried out on 1,000 Australians Mum’s by Pure Profile January 2011
[2]Golden Circle Sport Cordial hydration survey carried out on 1,000 Australians Mum’s by Pure Profile January 2011