November/December 2007

Water - Launa Ellison
 
What are your water needs? Each and every cell in your body must have water. Babies are close to 90% water and adults are over half water. Students must have enough water in order for their brains to function well. Dehydrated children get headaches, can be light-headed and are often sleepy. Their brains can't focus well. Some children diagnosed with ADD have improved with increased water and healthier food. Lack of water causes stress and stress causes further dehydration, beginning a viscous cycle!

When adults are not getting enough water they can experience heartburn, gastritis, ulcers, hiatus hernia, heart/angina pain, high blood pressure, headaches, rheumatoid joint pains, back pain and leg pain when walking. Older people lose their sense of thirst and often are dehydrated. Do you know older people with these symptoms?

Students at school should have access to water at all times. If you are lucky, you have a water faucet in your room. If not, let parents know about the brain's need for water. Encourage children to bring water from home or a big mug they can fill from the hallway water. Some teachers have asked parents to help pay for cool bottled jugs of water for their child's classroom. However you solve it, have water immediately available and let your students drink up!