How important is adequate hydration in physically active children?
- Children are more at risk for dehydration than adults. Inadequate fluid intake
may cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke.
What are the effects of a humid
climate on children and hydration?
- Hot and humid climates increase the risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion,
and heat stroke. Proper hydration before, during, and after physical activities
is important.
How much fluid intake is recommended
for children before, during, and after activities?
- Children should consume one cup of fluid before activity, one cup every half
hour during activity, and at least two cups of water after activity.
What type of fluids are recommended
for children during physical activity?
- Cold water is adequate. Sports drinks are not usually necessary because nutrients
lost during the activity can be replenished by a well-balanced diet after the
activity.
Why is cool water recommended?
- Cool water helps to cool the body, reduce body heat, and minimizes the effects
of stomach cramping. Cool water is emptied from the stomach quicker, too.
What if my child claims that he
or she is not thirsty?
- Children often fail to recognize or ignore their thirst. Therefore, parents
should encourage their children to drink fluids as recommended.
When is a good time for fruit
and vegetable consumption by children?
- Anytime is a good time for fruit and vegetable consumption. However, when
children are hungry, such as after physical activity, they may be more likely
to consume them.
Are vitamins and/or sports-performance
enhancement supplements needed for physically active children?
- With a well-balanced diet, vitamins and/or sports-performance enhancing supplements
are not necessary and may be dangerous.
How do I know what is a balanced
diet?
- One simple way to tell if your child has a balanced diet is to prepare and
serve foods of different colors. Oftentimes, colors indicate the nutrients contained
in the food. For example, red tomatoes, green broccoli and yellow squash contain
a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. A variety of colors is a mark of a
variety of nutrients and, thus, a well-balanced diet.
What are some suggestions for
snacks after a game?
- Lower-fat, high-carbohydrate snacks, such as fruit, vegetables with dip and
bean burritos, are just a few suggestions. Recipes ideas can be found at Parents
Recipes.
Adapted from:
http://www.gssiweb.com/reflib/refs/69/d000000020000014b.cfm
Accessed 9/8/01
|
HOT LINKS! http://www.eatnmove.com/ http://www.nutritionexplorations.org/teacher_central/sports_nutrition.html
|
 |
Back to Home